Governors reject proposal for ward-based development funding
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The council's Finance Committee chairperson highlighted concerns that the Bill creates a parallel planning and budgeting framework that contradicts existing County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
Governors across the 47 counties have opposed the push to allocate at least 60 per cent of the development budget for ward-based development projects, saying the move would render the counties unable to implement flagship or high-capital projects.
The contentious Bill, known as the County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill, 2024, was introduced by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang'wa.
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It aims to establish a uniform allocation of at least 60 per cent of the development budget for ward projects, with the remaining 40 per cent reserved for flagship initiatives.
During a recent submission to the Senate Finance Committee on behalf of the Council of Governors, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa criticised the Bill as fundamentally flawed.
He argued that a uniform allocation fails to consider the unique developmental needs of each county and undermines their autonomy to plan and budget effectively.
"Counties are at different stages of development. A uniform application of the allocation defeats the objectives of the Bill to promote equitable development. There is no scientific basis for the 60 per cent threshold," Barasa stated
He further noted that the Bill overlooks other decentralised units within counties, such as urban areas, cities, sub-counties, and village units, which also require funding.
The council's Finance Committee chairperson highlighted concerns that the Bill creates a parallel planning and budgeting framework that contradicts existing County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa addresses a crowd at a past rally. (Photo: Handout)
Barasa pointed out that introducing new projects outside of these established plans could lead to project duplication and scattered development.
"Introducing new projects not contemplated in the existing integrated development plans will lead to scattered development, which negates the objectives of the Bill," he explained.
Additionally, Governor Barasa mentioned that several counties, including Meru, Nairobi, West Pokot, and Makueni, have already enacted legislation to ensure equitable development across wards.
He said that allocating a minimum of 60 per cent of county development budgets to all wards would restrict the counties' ability to undertake flagship and cross-cutting projects.
"The council proposes that the Bill be withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and the development of a framework that promotes equitable development in decentralised units," Barasa said. "
Counties can then domesticate this framework by enacting specific legislation on equitable development."
Despite the opposition, the Bill is being introduced amidst complaints from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) regarding perceived neglect of their wards by governors for political reasons.
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