MPs approve Bill unlocking Sh50.5 billion for counties
The Bill also outlines various development partner-funded projects that will benefit counties in areas such as agriculture, health, water, sanitation, climate action, urban development and devolution.
Members of Parliament have approved the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, authorising the release of Sh50.5 billion allocations to county governments, unlocking delayed funding meant to support healthcare, industrial parks and infrastructure.
The Bill, which now awaits Presidential assent, facilitates the transfer of both conditional and unconditional allocations from the National Government and development partners to all 47 counties.
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Sponsor of the Bill, also the Leader of the Majority party, Kimani Inchung’wah, said the principal object of the Bill is to make provision for the transfer of conditional allocations from the national government's share of revenue and from development partners to the county governments for the financial year 2024/25.
The funds are meant to enhance devolved service delivery and support county functions as outlined in Articles 202(2) and 190 of the Constitution.
According to the provisions of the Bill, Sh8.42 billion will come from the National Government’s share of revenue, Sh116.1 million from court fines, and Sh42 billion from development partners, primarily the World Bank, which is funding Sh33.1 billion worth of projects.
Among the major allocations is Sh3.23 billion for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) across all counties under the Afya Bora Mashinani programme, a key initiative aimed at strengthening primary healthcare at the grassroots.
Counties will also receive Sh1.76 billion under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme, while Sh2.9 billion has been set aside for the construction of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) in 21 counties. Each county will contribute Sh250 million towards the CAIPs.
To address salary arrears for county health workers, Sh1.759 billion has been allocated following a Return-to-Work Agreement between the National Government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU).
In addition, Sh523.1 million has been earmarked for the construction of county headquarters in Isiolo, Lamu, Tana River and Tharaka Nithi counties.
The Bill also outlines various development partner-funded projects that will benefit counties in areas such as agriculture, health, water, sanitation, climate action, urban development and devolution.
In its report, the Budget and Appropriations Committee expressed concern over delays in passing the legislation, noting that the lag had already started affecting key county operations.
“The delayed approval of this Bill has begun to impact the timely payment of Community Health Promoters and the execution of industrial park projects,” the Committee said.
With the Bill now set for Presidential assent, counties are expected to accelerate the rollout of stalled projects and improve service delivery to citizens at the local level.
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