MPs approve Bill to disburse Sh415 billion to counties
Nairobi will receive the largest share at Sh21.4 billion, followed by Nakuru with Sh14.4 billion, while Turkana and Kakamega are set to get Sh13.8 billion and Sh13.6 billion respectively.
Counties are set to receive Sh415 billion in national revenue after the National Assembly passed the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, moving the process a step closer to disbursement once the President gives assent.
The Bill outlines how the funds will be distributed among the 47 counties, with allocations guided by the revenue-sharing formula approved by Parliament.
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Nairobi will receive the largest share at Sh21.4 billion, followed by Nakuru with Sh14.4 billion, while Turkana and Kakamega are set to get Sh13.8 billion and Sh13.6 billion respectively.
Counties with smaller populations and landmasses will receive the least, with Taita Taveta allocated Sh5.7 billion, Isiolo Sh5.6 billion, Elgeyo Marakwet Sh5.5 billion, Tharaka Nithi Sh5.05 billion, and Lamu Sh3.8 billion.
During debate in the National Assembly, legislators raised concerns about how counties have continued to prioritise recurrent budgets over development projects, despite receiving large amounts each year.
“County governments have been spending a lot of money on recurrent expenditures at the expense of development, and it is the decision of the Senate and the Commission of Revenue Allocation that this money be cut,” said Samuel Atandi, chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
He also defended an increase of Sh3.57 billion in county assembly budgets, saying the extra funding would improve the assemblies’ ability to hold governors accountable.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro challenged counties to use the money for its intended purpose. “We send huge amounts to the counties, but you hardly see what it does.”
Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo accused county bosses of neglecting key projects and instead pushing political agendas.
She also joined calls to have the National Government Constituency Development Fund channelled through the counties, terming it part of a bigger conversation on resource control.
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