Counties to receive Sh226bn from July
Majority Leader Aden Duale (URP) moved the Bill authorising the government to release Sh226 billion to counties in the next financial year for its Second Reading on Tuesday, urging fellow members to adopt the figure saying it would help develop at the county level. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- The Division of Revenue Bill 2014 was passed without a hitch as lawmakers from both sides of the political divide supported it.
- The amount is an increase of Sh36 billion from Sh190 billion given to counties last year. Governors have been lobbying for a raise saying the money allocated them the previous year was not enough.
MPs on Tuesday passed a Bill authorising the government to release Sh226 billion to counties in the next financial year.
The 47 devolved units will share the money according to a formula prepared by the Commission for Revenue Allocation and presently under the consideration of the Senate.
The Division of Revenue Bill 2014 was passed without a hitch as lawmakers from both sides of the political divide supported it.
The Bill will still be sent to the Senate for approval before President Uhuru Kenyatta signs it into law.
The amount approved is 43 per cent of the 2009/10 audited revenue.
INCREASED FUNDING
The amount is an increase of Sh36 billion from Sh190 billion given to counties last year. Governors have been lobbying for a raise saying the money allocated them the previous year was not enough.
CRA had recommended Sh279 billion to be devolved.
Majority Leader Aden Duale (URP) moved the Bill for its Second Reading on Tuesday, urging fellow members to adopt the figure saying it would help develop at the county level.
“The amount given the counties is 43 per cent of 2009/10 audited revenue. It is a far way above the requirement of the constitutional of 15 per cent.
The PAC should fast track review of the latest audited revenue to ensure use of the latest figures next year. We expect these billions to be used effectively and accountably so we have better fruits in the next five years,” said Mr Duale.
The legislators praised the national government for agreeing to increase the allocation.
“ This money should bear a lot development fruits. This shows that the government is supporting devolution,” said Majority Whip Katoo Metito (TNA) when he seconded the Bill.
Governors have often clashed with the national government over the cash.
DISTRIBUTION
How the cash will be spent
Youth Polys: Of the cash sent, Sh3.65 billion will be for rural electrification, Sh3.74 billion for Level 5 hospitals and Sh1.4 billion for youth polytechnics.
Share fairly: Kipkelion East MP Joseph Limo (URP) challenged governors to distribute the billions they get equitably and fairly in counties.
