Governors renew battle with State, demand Sh81 billion

Governors have renewed their battle with the national government over delay in the disbursement of funds, this time claiming the Treasury is withholding up to Sh81 billion.

In a statement to newsrooms after convening for an extraordinary meeting, COG chair Ann Waiguru noted with concern that counties were yet to receive the disbursement for the last three months.

This, she said, was contrary to the disbursement schedule approved by the Senate.

“We note with concern the delayed disbursement of an equitable share of revenue considering we are three months on average in arrears,” said Waiguru.

The delay, she said, has even impeded the counties’ ability to respond effectively to emergencies such as the ongoing floods in various parts of regions.

“Additionally, it has resulted in non-compliance by county governments about the timely payment of employees' salaries and the remittance of statutory deductions,” she noted.

She said as of January 19, Sh17.48 billion was owed to 24 counties for the November 2023 allocation and Sh30.83 billion owed to 47 counties for the December allocation.

Another Sh32.76 billion is owed to 47 counties for January.

Treasury last released on December 29, 2023. Some Sh4.91 billion were released to seven counties to cater for November.

Before that, the National Treasury had released some Sh17.13 billion to some 16 counties.

Out of the amount, some Sh6.77 billion was used to clear balances for October and Sh10.36 billion went to some 16 counties for November.

Counties that have received November disbursements are Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kericho, Laikipia, Mombasa, Nairobi, Bomet, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Mandera, Marsabit and Meru.

Others are Nandi, Narok Nyamira and Nyandarua.

Counties yet to receive November funds are Siaya, Bomet, Busia, Bungoma, Embu, Garissa, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisii, West Pokot, Wajir, Vihiga, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, Tana River and Nyeri.

Others are Taita Taveta, Kwale, Samburu, Machakos, Makueni, Lamu and Kitui.

The new battle is now set to put President William Ruto on a warpath with the governors.

The head of state has been on record stating that his administration will ensure the timely release of shareable revenue to the counties.

He said his government will ensure that no delays will be witnessed to allow seamless work across all counties.

“I believe that our country’s fortunes, to a decisive extent, are dependent on how we manage the devolution of national power and resources,” the President said in December last year.