Talk to MPs on Bill, counties told
What you need to know:
- The legislators would also have to pass the County Allocation of Revenue Bill that determines the amount that goes to each county, to actualise expenditure of the devolved funds.
- Already, the National Assembly’s Budget Appropriation Committee has recommended that MPs reject the Senate’s proposal.
- This comes in the wake of concerns that the national government was reluctant to ensure counties got adequate funds to finance all the devolved functions, particularly, the health sector.
Speakers of county assemblies have been asked to reach out to MPs to approve the additional Sh7 billion allocated to counties.
Senators increased the counties’ share from Sh283.7 billion to Sh291 billion last week during debate in the Division of Revenue Bill that was referred from the National Assembly.
“Lobby MPs to support the Senate amendments to this Bill that seeks to give you more funds to improve on service delivery,” said Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe.
Mr Kagwe spoke during a three day consultative forum between senators and speakers of County Assemblies that came to an end yesterday at the Serena Beach and Resort Hotel, Mombasa.
This comes in the wake of concerns that the national government was reluctant to ensure counties got adequate funds to finance all the devolved functions, particularly, the health sector.
The legislators would also have to pass the County Allocation of Revenue Bill that determines the amount that goes to each county, to actualise expenditure of the devolved funds.
The processing of the two bills must be fast tracked because they are critical in guiding county governments in coming up with budgets that are within their allocations.
REJECT SENATE PROPOSAL
Already, the National Assembly’s Budget Appropriation Committee has recommended that MPs reject the Senate’s proposal.
If the MPs disagree with the Senate’s position, the Bill will have to be taken to a mediation committee that will have to come up with a common position for tabling in both Houses.
Mr Kagwe however, said corruption remains the greatest enemy of devolution at the county level and called for increased oversight by the county assemblies and the Senate to ensure county funds are properly utilized.
“Ensure we support and speak to the County Assemblies and emphasise that they be more vigilant on county budgets,” said Mr Kagwe.
He said the additional funding to the counties would ensure they spent more than 40 per cent of the devolved funds on development.
The speakers said county assemblies were grappling with inadequate resources, which threatens service delivery.
Makueni Speaker Stephen Ngelu said some counties have had to adjourn due to lack of funds.
Nakuru County Speaker Susan Kihika warned that county assemblies deserve better funding to offer quality services.
