Governors Demand Urgent Action on Delayed County Funds, Warn of Crisis

Governors across Kenya have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the delayed disbursement of funds to county governments, warning that the delays are crippling essential services and stalling development projects.

Speaking at the launch of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Culture Association (KICOSCA) games at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, the governors were vocal in their criticism of the Controller of Budget's office, which is responsible for processing the county allocations.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who is also the new patron of KICOSCA and chairperson of the Council of Governors’ (CoG) finance committee, was particularly forthright in his condemnation.

He urged the national government to take immediate action to release the funds, emphasizing the strain on county operations and services due to the financial delays.

“The national government must prioritize the timely release of funds. The current delays are disrupting critical county functions and development,” Barasa stated.

Governor Barasa did not mince words as he pointed out the gap between the required funds and the actions taken by the Controller of Budget’s office.

“We have made several requests, but no action has been taken. We demand efficiency in the processing of county funds. The office of the Controller of Budget cannot act as though it’s the Auditor General for counties,” Barasa said.

He made it clear that the governors were not seeking favors or delays in processing their needs but wanted swift action to ensure counties could function properly.

“If these delays continue, we will have no choice but to push for the dissolution of that office,” Barasa warned, adding to the growing tension over the funding issue.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, the former KICOSCA patron, also raised concerns about the financial strain counties are facing due to the delays.

“Development plans in many counties are stalling because we lack the necessary resources to execute them,” Mwangaza said.

She echoed the sentiments of her colleagues that without the funding, many essential county projects could not proceed, leaving citizens without critical services.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya voiced similar concerns, emphasizing that the delays were affecting the payment of employees and contractors, creating financial strain across counties.

“Despite Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi claiming that funds have been released to counties, the situation on the ground tells a different story,” said Natembeya.

He pointed out that if the funds were not released within 30 days, counties might be forced to shut down operations, with severe consequences for services such as health, agriculture, and water, which are managed by devolved units.

“If the funds are not released within 30 days, counties may be forced to shut down operations, severely affecting critical services like health, agriculture, and water,” he said.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin also weighed in, highlighting the risks to the future of counties if the situation persisted.

“We cannot allow the national government to continue withholding funds, undermining the operations of county governments. The financial stability of counties is under threat, and this needs to be addressed urgently,” said Kachapin.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati added his voice to the growing call for immediate action, sharing that Kisii County had already lost over 17 million shillings due to the reduction in county allocations.

He expressed concern over the financial strain counties were facing.

“It’s critical that the Treasury acts swiftly to release funds for county operations. We are already limping financially, and the delay is exacerbating the challenges we face,” Arati urged.