Treasury Has Released Ksh 29.6 Billion To Counties

By Getrude Mathayo / Published May 27, 2023 | 9:38 am

Counties can now breathe a sigh of relief after the National Treasury released 29.6 billion shillings to counties as an equitable share of the revenue for the month of March, following fresh threats of a shutdown by governors.

The deal comes days after the governors issued a 14 days’ notice to shut down counties in February, March, and April arrears are not released within two weeks.

According to the Council of Governors (CoG) chairperson Ann Waiguru, the funds were dispersed on Wednesday 24^th. Earlier, the governors had released 31.45 billion shillings for February allocation.

Last week, the governors issued a 14 days notice to shut down counties in February, March, and April arrears are not released within two weeks.

“We have agreed with National Treasury CS that they will be prompt in ensuring timely disbursements to counties. Additionally, it has been resolved that the March allocations are to be disbursed by March 15 and April allocations end of May,” said Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru.

“The disbursement for May and June is to be disbursed by the first two weeks of June to allow counties to absorb these resources within the financial year,” she added.

Waiguru was speaking during a joint press conference at CoG headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, on Tuesday, after an extra-ordinary council meeting where they discussed critical issues affecting the devolved units and the nation.

The National Treasury and CoG also agreed to explore short-term measures to cushion counties to ensure continuity in service delivery as well as prevent industrial unrest.

The Council has formed a 10-member council executive committee drawn from Azimio and Kenya Kwanza to engage President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga to find amicable solutions to end anti-government demonstrations and ensure stability in the country.

“The Council of Governors prides itself in being a non-partisan institution that speaks in one voice. In this regard, the Council notes with concern that the ongoing conflict between the two political divides continues to have a negative impact on counties,” said Waiguru.

The committee comprises Governors Waiguru, Ahmed Abdulahi, Stephen Sang, Kenneth Lusaka, Fatuma Achani, Mutahi Kahiga, Simba Arati, Joseph Ole Lenku, Wavinya Ndeti, and Achilo Ayacko.

The governors said the bi-annual devolution conference will be held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county from August 15 to 19.

The theme of the conference will be; “10 Years of Devolution: The Present and the Future with the sub-theme being; Driving Transformation from the Local Level: County Governments as the Centre of Economic Development.”

To ensure full participation of stakeholders, the CoG said they have partnered with Safaricom and started online registration on Tuesday and one can register by going to the CoG website.