Governors raise concerns over plans to revert health functions to National Government

The Council of Governors (CoG) has raised concerns regarding a purported scheme aimed at reverting the health function to the National Government.

The CoG accused the National Government of orchestrating a smear campaign to portray devolved units as incompetent, jeopardising their equitable share, which is on the brink of surpassing the Sh100 billion mark as the 2023/2024 financial year draws to a close.

Amidst the ongoing situation, counties have reportedly not received their fair allocation from the National Government for three consecutive months, extending into June. Reports suggest that the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) has been experiencing delays since mid-June, further exacerbating the financial strain on the devolved units.

Addressing the outstanding debts to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) on Tuesday, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who chairs the CoG health committee, questioned the underlying motives behind the recent push to shift blame onto the counties.

Njuki emphasised that the delays in releasing resources to counties primarily stem from the National Government and not the county administrations.

He underscored that the narrative surrounding counties' debts to KEMSA appears to be part of a calculated effort to tarnish the reputation of the devolved units. He highlighted that adherence to the stipulated laws by the National Government in disbursing resources on time would prevent counties from accumulating debts.

“If the National Government stuck to the law and gave us our resources on the 15th of every month, no county would have a debt to KEMSA. A debt is not bad. In fact, the agreement we have with KEMSA allows counties a 90-day repayment period. Doesn't that align with the period counties haven't received their equitable share?” he posed.

Njuki reiterated that counties are willing to settle their dues to KEMSA promptly upon receiving their rightful share of revenue. He also urged the National Government to honour its commitment of Sh2 billion to bolster KEMSA's operational capacity.

Notably, KEMSA has reported that counties collectively owe approximately Sh3 billion in outstanding payments, adding to the ongoing financial challenges faced by the healthcare supply chain.

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