This archive report was first published on 29 November 2019.
County governments are staring at a cash crisis after the term of the acting Controller of Budget, Stephen Masha, ended on November 25, 2019, without a new appointment being made.
The Council of Governors (COG) has urged the government to fast-track the appointment of a new Controller of Budget to prevent the looming crisis.
COG chair Wycliffe Oparanya said, “Let the government fill in the vacancy in the office of the Controller of Budget to enable authorization of county funds to ensure timely service delivery.”
According to the COG, counties have been left without any option after the term of the designated Acting Controller of Budget of 90 days expired on November 25, as governors are unable to withdraw any funds from Revenue accounts.
As a result, counties have been unable to pay out the most critical fiscal obligations, including the November month salaries, statutory deductions, and procured supplies, which includes pending bills.
The COG added that the 47 counties are yet to receive their November monthly disbursement of Sh31.6 billion, which was legally due on November 15.
President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Masha in an acting capacity following the exit of Agnes Odhiambo, whose term ended in August.
