This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
On Saturday, Deputy President William Ruto toured development projects in Tharaka Nithi County, where he emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the counties' revenue allocation stalemate.
According to Dr. Ruto, consultation and cooperation are key to resolving issues pertaining to revenue allocation as enshrined in the Constitution.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Ruto said, "I want to persuade them (National Assembly and Senate) to work together by engaging in discussions, engagements and cooperation with various arms of the government as enshrined in our Constitution in solving the issue of revenue allocation. There is no need to resort to mechanisms that can bring conflict."
He added, "It's not necessary to take drastic steps like going to court because the move will only benefit lawyers. Let us sit down and come up with an amicable solution to the problem."
Dr. Ruto urged governors to reconsider threats of seeking legal redress over the County allocation fund delays and instead give dialogue a chance.
Friday, governors said they will march to the National Assembly to demand an explanation on why they are opposed to the release of funds to the devolved units.
Legislators Richard Tongi of Nyaribari Chache, Caleb Amisi of Saboti, and Charles Kilonzo of Yatta dismissed the governors' threats as inconsequential and challenged them to show what they have done with the previous allocations in their respective counties.
The National Assembly and Senate are sharply divided over the Division of Revenue Bill, 2019, with senators pushing for the 47 counties to be allocated 335 billion shillings in the next financial year, while their counterparts in the National Assembly want the devolved units allocated 310 billion shillings.
