A heated debate has erupted among governors following the National Assembly’s approval of the Division of Revenue Bill, with several county leaders voicing strong opposition to proposals that could reduce counties’ equitable share of national resources.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja criticized the move, asserting that the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) cannot be amended once approved.
“Counties are facing many challenges due to delayed disbursements of funds from the previous financial year, leaving counties struggling to maintain services,” he stated.
While Nairobi can sustain operations through its own revenue streams, Sakaja noted that most counties are not as fortunate.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. echoed these concerns, warning that the proposals would undo progress in equitable revenue distribution.
He reminded the Assembly that the Senate had previously agreed no county should receive less than last year’s allocation.
Governor Kilonzo Jr. also condemned Clause B of the bill, calling it unconstitutional and urged that the Bill should be returned to the Senate for reconsideration.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire accused the National Assembly of undermining devolution, while Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki lamented the lack of county consultation in the passing of DORA.
“We’ve been turned into beggars. The national government needs to tell us if they want to just do away with counties,” Njuki remarked.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa also raised alarms over the proposed reduction from Ksh 400.117 billion to Ksh 380 billion, warning that such cuts would paralyze county operations, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare.
He stressed that counties would be unable to sustain essential services if the reductions are implemented.
In response, the governors proposed several amendments to the bill, including deleting Clause 2, removing sub-section 1 in Clause 3, and eliminating Clause 3B and the schedule under Clause 4. They argued it was unjust to deny counties funds based on uncertain factors and called for a fairer distribution of national resources.
The governors have made it clear that they will not stand by while counties are deprived of the necessary funding to carry out their functions, calling for the rejection of the bill in its current form.
Other governors present during the debate included Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), and Ndirangu Badilisha (Nyandarua), among others.
