This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 47 counties in Kenya are on the brink of a financial crisis that could have devastating consequences for the provision of critical services like health and water.
At the heart of the crisis is the Senate's failure to enact a formula for the equitable sharing of Sh316 billion, which was approved to replace the existing formula that has been in force for the past three years.
Unless the Senate acts quickly to approve the new formula, the funds cannot be disbursed among the counties from July 1, as envisaged.
The Commission on Revenue Allocation has devised the new formula, which has been pivotal in ensuring a fair distribution of resources across the country since the advent of devolution following the 2013 General Election.
It would be unfortunate to get to a situation where the counties are thrown into a financial mess, and whatever can be done now to avert this should be explored, even if it means postponing the Senate's impending recess.
The counties are a vital avenue through which resources for national development have been channelled, with commendable results in some of these devolved units.
As the Senate considers its next move, it must unlock the formula holding back the disbursement of the funds to prevent a financial crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for the people of Kenya.
