Marginalised counties get Sh12bn

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday assented to three bills amongst them the Equalisation Fund Bill that will see 14 marginalised counties share Sh11.98 billion.

The two other bills were the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2018) and the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2017.

Of the 14 counties categorised as marginalised, Turkana will get Sh1.05 billion – the largest share of the fund –followed by Mandera at Sh967.6 million and Wajir which will receive Sh929.8 million.

The other counties that are allocated comparatively huge sums of the funds include Marsabit Sh886.2 million, Samburu Sh869.7 and Tana River at Sh859 million.

The Equalisation Fund is aimed at improving healthcare, water services, education, roads and electricity distribution in the northern Kenya counties.

Through the  Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2018), President Kenyatta allowed an expenditure of Sh 87 billion for various services for the financial year ending June 30, 2018.

These services include the development of the blue economy, policing, population management, correctional and devolution services in addition to accelerated development in ASAL regions.

The other services include Foreign Relations and Diplomacy services, education including its quality assurance, technical vocational education and youth training and development among other varied services across the country.

Agriculture, health and housing have been apportioned the highest amount, complimenting the government’s Big Four Agenda.

The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) makes several amendments to various Bills including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the Pensions and the Pharmacy and Poisons Law.

The amendments in the SRC law seek to have commissioners of the entity engaged on a full time basis.

Additionally the Bill also allows the President to nominate the chairperson of the commission.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and Leader of Majority Aden Duale witnessed the signing of the Bills.

Also present was Siaya Senator James Orengo who is the Senate Minority Leader, who was visiting State House for the first time in more than five years.