The issue of funds’ allocation to Counties is still a persistent problem, and after Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba raised concerns with the ability of Counties to fund and implement projects, Council of Governors Chairman and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has also faulted the reduced allocation to Counties.
Senators are the last line of defence for Counties, given that they are against the Division of Revenue Bill 2019 which caters for the sharing of revenue between the national and County governments, and has seen the equitable share for Counties reduced. Governor Oparanya said the Senate has tagged along with the Council of Governors when it comes to rejecting the Bill that has led to deductions of funds, saying they see it as a threat to devolution. “This money that is being deducted is for the budget of this year not for the coming budget but it’s being carried to next year. This is money we have already provided in our own budgets,” he said.
Before the launch of the County Integrated Development Plan in Trans Nzoia, Governor Patrick Khaemba had urged the national government to intervene and ease the financial burden Counties have, adding that development projects are dependent on allocations from the national government given that revenue collected from the Counties isn’t sufficient.