Release funds to counties to ease operations, Barasa tells Treasury

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged the National Treasury to expedite release of sharable revenue to counties to ease operations and implement development projects. 

The governor said delays in disbursement of the funds have stalled ongoing projects in counties across the country. 

Barasa is the chairperson for the finance and economic planning committee at the Council of Governors. 

The governor said Kakamega received its August shareable revenue allocation last week. 

“These delays have left expenditures of the month of September still pending hence hampering efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery in devolved units across the country. The constitution stipulates that funds should follow devolved functions without delay,” he said. 

He spoke during a thanksgiving service at the Kakamega Citadel Salvation Army Western region headquarters in Lurambi subcounty on Sunday. 

Barasa said governors have agreed to enhance own revenue collection to help fill the gaps left by funding from the Treasury.

The governor said flagship projects initiated by his predecessor Wycliffe Oparanya have stalled due to erratic disbursement of funds by the National government.

They include the 750-bed Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital, upgrading of Bukhungu stadium to international standards, milk processing plant in Malava and provision of water to all households in the county. 

He said the projects will not only deliver quality services to the people but also generate revenue for the general development of the county. 

The governor urged all political leaders in the county to work together for the interest of the people regardless of their political affiliations. 

He said his administration will allocate Sh120 million for water, electricity and roads repairs projects. 

Barasa said the 240 million ward development fund will not be managed by MCA, but instead, they will only guide the development agenda for wards by assisting in the identification of projects to be funded.

The governor pledged to ensure all the projects started by the former regime are completed before initiating new ones.

-Edited by SKanyara