'Broke' Nairobi MCAs storm City Hall offices in desperation over delayed funds
They said they are struggling to run their wards, with some claiming they have had to buy basic items like tissue paper from their own pockets.
A dramatic scene unfolded at Nairobi's City Hall as frustrated members of the county assembly (MCAs) stormed various offices, protesting the delay in disbursing funds for the Ward Development Fund, bursaries, and their allowances.
The MCAs claimed they were struggling to run their wards due to lack of money, with some even saying they had to buy basic items like tissue paper from their own pockets.
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In their desperation, they moved from one office to another, demanding answers.
The protests began when the MCAs paralysed committee sittings and marched to the office of Assembly Speaker Ken Ng'ondi to voice their grievances.
According to Korogocho MCA Absalomon Odhiambo, who led the protest, the lack of funds had resulted in delayed bursary disbursements, stalled projects, and a shortage of essential supplies at the county assembly.
"We are now forced to spend most of our time at City Hall to avoid pressure from parents who want bursaries," Odhiambo said.
After nearly an hour in the Speaker's office, the MCAs left unsatisfied and headed straight to the executive wing, forcing their way into Governor Johnson Sakaja's office.
Kayole Central MCA Jeremiah Karani Themendu said that several county projects had been put on hold as they awaited approval from the Controller of Budget (CoB), adding that the Ward Development Fund had not been released either.
At the governor's office, the MCAs demanded to know why funds had not been remitted.
"We are tired. We are going to shut down the assembly. We want to talk to the governor," they shouted as they gathered outside his office.
Governor Sakaja emerged to address the group but instead directed them to the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o whose office is located at Bima House.
"What you need to know, her office is over there, so just cross and demand for these funds," Sakaja told the MCAs, prompting them to storm out and head to Nyakang'o's office.
The MCAs accused the Controller of Budget of deliberately withholding funds.
"We have a lot of issues because there are funds from the CoB. Very clever but needy students who depend on the bursaries are out of school due to lack of funds," MCA Themendu lamented.
"Ourselves who are responsible for the bursaries don't even have our salaries paid,” he added.
Their frustration stemmed from a circular issued by Nyakang'o on January 14, 2025 which prohibited counties from disbursing bursaries to primary schools, secondary schools and universities, arguing that it was not their mandate.
She cited the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which assigns education responsibilities to the national government unless transferred under Article 187.
Adding to their woes, a High Court ruling last month issued conservatory orders stopping counties and the CoB from implementing an agreement that would have allowed bursary funds to be withdrawn.
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