Trans Nzoia County Governor Patrick Khaemba has blamed the national government for the delay in disbursement of funds meant for Counties, noting that projects have stalled as a result.
Speaking to journalists in Kitale, the County Governor said Counties are experiencing several challenges, which include payment of workers, and stalled projects. Last week, nurses in Trans Nzoia had issued a strike notice, which was to start this week, due to unpaid April and May salaries. “Our employees are facing several challenges including our nurses who have to take up tasks like taking care of Covid-19 patients yet they aren’t catered for. This is wrong,” he said, while responding to the strike threat.
He confirmed that the County had received Kshs 117 million from the national government for the fight against Covid-19, however, the Governor said the allocation isn’t enough and called for additional funds from stakeholders and the government. He said it’s commendable for the national government to ask each County to set aside 300 isolation beds each, but the infrastructure to make this a success isn’t available, noting that land, buildings, sufficient funds are needed.
He further called on the Senate to note and address the challenges that Counties are facing, adding that Senators and MPs should avoid disagreements.