By Daniel Otieno, Kakamega
Governors have strongly criticized the office of the Controller of Budget for the delayed release of funds to county governments, warning that the financial strain could cripple essential operations and development projects in the devolved units.
The governors made the remarks during the launch of the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Culture Association (KICOSCA) games at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County, an event hosted by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, the new KICOSCA patron.
Governor Barasa, who is also in chairperson of finance at the Council of Governors (CoG), called on the national government to expedite the release of county funds, which are crucial for the smooth running of county operations and services.
He expressed frustration over what he described as the inefficiency and delays from the Controller of Budget’s office in processing the county allocations.
“We want efficiency in the office of the Controller of Budget. They can’t act as the auditor general of the counties. We’ve made several requests for the release of funds, but no action has been taken,” Barasa said.
He emphasized that while he respected the Controller of Budget as a professional colleague, the ongoing delays were putting undue pressure on county governments. “We are not begging for approvals of our requirements. We want action. If the office continues to stall, we will call out the dissolution of that office,” he added.
The event also saw contributions from Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, the former KICOSCA patron, who expressed concern over the impact of the financial delays on county projects.
“Our development plans are stalling due to lack of finance from the national government. We have a vision to fulfill our promises to the citizens, but we cannot achieve that without the necessary funds,” Mwangaza lamented.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also weighed in, criticizing the ongoing financial challenges faced by counties. “Our employees and contractors are struggling because they haven’t been paid. Despite the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Mbadi, claiming that money has been released to the counties, the situation on the ground is far different,” Natembeya said.
He went on to call for an independent treasury, free from national government interference. “If we do not receive the funds within the next 30 days, we may be forced to shut down county operations,” he warned.
Devolution, he added, is handling critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and water, and any disruption in county operations will have far-reaching effects on the citizens who rely on these essential services.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin also joined the chorus of governors demanding immediate action. “We will not allow the national government to thwart the operations of counties by withholding funds. The future of our counties is at risk if this situation continues,” he said, expressing concern over the worsening financial situation in the country.
He was joined by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who highlighted the financial struggles faced by counties, noting that Kisii County had already lost over 17 million shillings due to the reduction in county allocations.
“It’s critical that the treasury acts swiftly to release funds for county operations. We are already limping financially, and the delay is exacerbating the challenges we face,” Arati urged.
