Governors decry Treasury delays, bottlenecks
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi. Photo/Ahmed Abdullahi via X
Governors are raising alarm over delays in the disbursement of billions of shillings meant for counties under the County Governments Additional Allocations Act (CGAA), warning that critical projects in agriculture, health, and education remain stalled as funds have not been released on time.
They say the current process, where key money bills are passed at different times in Parliament, is locking out counties from accessing their full allocations and hampering development.
The governors are now calling for all money bills--the Division of Revenue Bill, County Allocation of Revenue Bill, and the CGAA--to be passed simultaneously in both Houses of Parliament to avoid last-minute releases that disrupt county planning and implementation.
Speaking during a sensitization meeting on the Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II) in Naivasha, Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir County Governor) emphasized the need for urgent reforms.
“The norm of passing these bills at different times is unacceptable. It locks out counties from executing crucial projects. We must have a legal framework that mandates simultaneous approval in both Houses,” said Governor Abdullahi.
The CoG further accused the National Treasury of delaying the release of funds and working in concert with some Members of Parliament to frustrate the flow of resources to counties. Governors are also urging development partners to engage counties directly through the Council of Governors, to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks introduced by national government agencies.
“Treasury has repeatedly introduced roadblocks. Funds meant for counties end up stuck in Nairobi. We’re asking our partners to coordinate directly with counties through the Council of Governors,” added Governor Abdullahi.
Governors faulted the National Government for failing to match its pro-devolution rhetoric with timely financial support.
They said these delays have slowed down county-level development, a concern echoed by the World Bank, which has warned that inconsistent funding disrupts long-term investment plans.
Calling for a paradigm shift, the CoG wants structured timelines and safeguards in law to ensure timely access to all national government allocations earmarked for counties.
