Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba has urged the national government to help Counties shoulder the financial burden so that funds for development can be put to good use. Speaking before the launch of the County Integrated Plan (CIDP) in Trans Nzoia, Governor Khaemba highlighted the difficulties experienced when trying to implement projects outlined. He said many Governors depend on funds from the national government to implement projects because the local revenue isn’t enough, “The local revenue isn’t enough, we don’t have many people paying taxes,” he said.
He said when they took over office, Governors had specific tasks to accomplish but the money they receive isn’t enough for them to accomplish the tasks they have. He also pointed out a perennial problem for Governors, delayed disbursement of funds from the government. The issue has been a sticking point for many Governors. The Trans Nzoia Governor said even if they budget and plan for development, they don’t know how much they are budgeting for as a result, “Now I’ve finished my budget and I don’t know how much we will get,” he said.
He added that the problem of salaries in the County governments also poses a challenge. County governments are now up and running in the implementation of the CIDPs in alignment with the government’s Big Four Agenda, but it remains to be seen how many Counties will follow up the development plans and projects successfully, even as the tussle for funding and Counties expenditure takes centre stage. During the 6th Devolution conference, President Uhuru Kenyatta faulted Governors for spending more than 80% on recurrent expenditure and leaving a little chunk for development, shedding an unpleasant truth concerning the state of development in the Counties.