Governors in Kenya have appealed to the national government under President Willams Ruto to slash the budget from Ministries and channel the funds to the counties to allow them to offer reliable services.
The appeal was made during a meeting between the Council of Governors and the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly chaired by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro on Friday, March 1, 2024.
According to them, some ministries and departments run functions that are already devolved but are still being allocated huge amounts.
“It is the first time that the governors have been invited to give our suggestions and generally on the issue of budget policy statement,” Council’s vice chairperson and Wajir Governor Abdulahi Ahmed stated.
“I believe this will allow us a chance to resolve other matters,” he added
The Council highlighted that despite the allocation of up to Sh262 billion to the national government, many functions they oversee are being duplicated by counties.
The governors questioned why the national government is withholding funds meant for counties, despite claiming to fully support devolution. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, the Council’s chief whip, cited a report by the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee revealing withheld funds crucial for county functions like health and agriculture.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki proposed slashing the health ministry’s budget by Sh50 billion to redirect funds to counties, considering counties manage most hospital facilities.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir supported reallocating funds based on where they’re utilised, suggesting cuts to the health and agriculture ministries. Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Ndindi Nyoro affirmed the importance of addressing resource-sharing issues and committed to thorough discussions to address governors’ concerns.