Governors fault reduction of County funds
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in Tharaka Nithi County. Photo/Anne Waiguru via X
Governors have faulted proposal to reduce the county allocation from Sh385 billion in 2023 to Sh380 billion in 2024.
Speaking during the launch of the sixth edition of the Ura Gate Cultural Festival in Tharaka constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, Council of Governors (CoG) Chair Anne Waiguru accompanied by area Governor Muthomi Njuki, faulted proposal by the National Treasury to reduce the county funds allocation from last year's Sh385 billion to Sh380 billion.
Mr Njuki echoed her sentiments saying the move is going to negatively affect delivery of services to the 47 county governments.
"Counties deal with very serious functions including health and agriculture which need enough money and it will not be possible to deliver the services if the allocation will be reduced," Mr Njuki said.
Ms Waiguru noted that the dropped Finance Bill, 2024, was of no help to counties because the counties expected to get Sh400 billion, which was also not also enough for the needs of the devolved units.
"I urge the Senate and the National Assembly to make sure that the allocation for the county governments is not reduced from last year's Sh385 billion to the proposed Sh380 billion because this will paralyse services," Ms Waiguru said.
Mr Njuki said the anticipated gains through devolution are yet to be fully achieved mainly because of underfunding, noting it is the high time the Constitution 2010 is well implemented.
The Senate had been pushing for Sh415 billion for counties while the National Assembly wanted counties allocated Sh391 billion.
Meanwhile, the CoG has urged Kenyans to embrace diverse cultures in the Country to achieve a cumulative civilization of the society and grow the economy.
CoG Chair said about 1.9 million foreigners visited the Country in 2023 driven by curiosity to learn diverse cultures as well as Kenyan nature and Wildlife, thus creating six (6) percent of the Kenyan jobs.
"Over six(6) percent of total employment can be accredited to the sector, resulting in over US$581Million being spent by tourists within our borders," Ms Waiguru said.
The two leaders urged guests to visit the splendid Lake Ellis via Chogoria route, Scenic Mt Kenya, National Parks to view Big Five, The Elephant Maternity, Transcendent Kibuuka Waterfalls, and other wonders.
"The CoG is advocating for more resources to counties to support local industries and manufacturing of natural endowments. County governments have established cultural centres, promoting cultural tourism, hosting cultural events, empowering youths through Drama and Music Festivals participation, and enacting culture policies and legislations," Ms Waiguru said.
Mr Njuki said Tharaka Nithi County stands as a true beacon of rich cultural heritage, where traditions have been preserved in their purest form and remain vibrant today.
"We officially opened the 2024 Ura Gate Cultural Festival. This festival continues to be a crown jewel of our county, celebrating our natural wonders and showcasing our unity as a community," Mr Njuki said.
