This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Counties Staring at Financial Crisis as Battle Over Revenue Sharing Bill Moves to Court ¶
Kenya's county governments are on the brink of a financial crisis as the battle over the contentious Division of Revenue Bill, 2019, is set to move to the Supreme Court on Monday, July 15.
The move comes after talks between the county governments and the national government collapsed, with the county governments seeking KSh 335 billion in the 2019/2020 financial year, but being allocated KSh 314 billion.
According to the National Assembly, the county governments should be allocated KSh 310 billion, a move that has been opposed by the county governments.
Deputy President William Ruto had urged the governors to reconsider dialogue, saying there was no need to take the matter to court.
However, the Council of Governors chair Wycliffe Oparanya had accused the National Assembly of conspiring with the executive to undermine devolution and paralyse operation of county governments.
"The National Assembly is being used by the national government to frustrate implementation of devolution which is meant to spur development at the grassroot level. We will not allow that to happen," said Oparanya.
He warned that devolved governments would not be able to pay employees their June salaries if the stalemate between senators and MPs persists.
As the battle over the revenue sharing Bill continues, the county governments are reportedly fundraising in readiness for the legal battle.
Published on July 14, 2019, at 6:23 PM.
