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Senators renew push for higher county allocations, warn against corruption

The Senate during a past session. (Photo: NMG)

By Amina Wako | Wednesday, January 24, 2024

While CRA has suggested Sh398 billion, the CoG is demanding Sh450 billion, citing adjustments for revenue growth, inflation, and a projected road maintenance levy allocation.

Senators are now throwing their weight behind the governors' call for higher allocations to counties, emphasising their commitment to safeguarding the interests of the devolved units.

However, they have issued a stern warning against waste and rampant corruption, vowing to defend the interests of the counties should state agencies fail to reach an agreement on the allocation.

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Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, highlighted the Senate's role in protecting the welfare of counties and their governments.

He urged stakeholders, including the presidency, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), and the Council of Governors (CoG), to collaboratively determine the appropriate amount to allocate to counties.

“They should not always bring these wars to the Senate. Why can’t the presidency, CRA, and CoG sit and agree? Why is it that this war has to always come to the Senate? Why does this war always have to come to the Senate?” questioned Senator Murango.

Impasse

At present, the CRA and the CoG are embroiled in a disagreement over the proposed allocation for the 2024–25 financial year, as stated by the senators.

While the revenue agency has suggested Sh398 billion, the CoG is demanding Sh450 billion, citing adjustments for revenue growth, inflation, and a projected road maintenance levy allocation.

Senator Wahome Wamatinga emphasised the Senate's commitment to supporting devolved units for regional development. He stressed the necessity of sending resources to counties for the success of devolution, cautioning against the national government retaining a significant amount of money centrally.

“For devolution to work, we must send resources to counties. We cannot allow the national government to continue clawing back on devolution by retaining a lot of money at the centre,” Senator Wamatinga asserted.

The senators also called for the release of all pending devolved functions and accompanying resources to ensure tangible benefits for Kenyan citizens. They said county bosses seek the senators' assistance in obtaining funds but turn against them when accountability is demanded, which concerns the senators.

“Governors are using us as bulldozers to clear trees to build roads. Once they get the money, they don’t want to account for it,” Senator Murango said.

He insisted that accountability measures, such as physical inspections of project locations by the Controller of Budget, should be enforced.

Senator Ledama Olekina of Narok cautioned against the extravagant lifestyles of some governors, amidst claims of misuse and embezzlement of public funds earmarked for development projects. He highlighted instances of governors hiring helicopters and living lavishly while their constituents grapple with poverty.