NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 24 – Governors are now asking the National Treasury to expeditiously release monies owed to counties which have accrued in the last four months, amounting to sh 103,111,993,876 billion.
Council of Governors Finance and Planning Chairman Fernandes Barasa on Monday said the delay in disbursing county funds has paralysed key operations in the counties, with some facing industrial action from unpaid staff.
The Kakamega Governor noted that the last disbursement to counties was done on 23 rd December 2022 for October 2022 allocations.
“We note with great concern that to date, the National Treasury has not disbursed a total of sh 103,111,993,876 to county governments. The delayed disbursements have affected service delivery, especially essential services,” Barasa stated.
Of the arrears owed, sh 10,611,993,876 is owed for October allocation, sh 31,450,000,000 owed to 47 counties for November allocation.
Another sh 29,600,000,000 is owed to all the counties for December allocation and sh 31,450,000,000 for January 2023 allocation.
Governor Barasa said that the National Treasury has perennially delayed in disbursing monies to county governments contrary to provisions of the law which require them to disburse monies not later than the 15th day of the month.
“On average, the National Treasury is 3 months behind in terms of disbursement. There is also a need for a lasting solution to be reached with regards to the perennial delays,” he said.
