White smoke? Hope as Senate team 'finalise' revenue talks as counties shutdown begins

The special 12-member Senate Committee tasked with solving the revenue formula stalemate is currently holed up in a meeting even as counties began their shutdown on Thursday.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who is part of the team said they are nearing a solution.

"We are currently sitting as the Special Committee of the Senate on the third basis for revenue sharing. The happy ending is near," he posted.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo on Thursday morning also tweeted "smoke".

In photos shared via Twitter, the senate team seemed to be busy perusing the documents as they canvassed around it.

There were intensive consultations as senators were seen in groups with documents pertaining to the formula being perused.

Hard times await Kenyans as governors made real their threat to shut down operations in counties starting Thursday over revenue sharing stand-off in the Senate.

This even as the Council of Governors sued the Senate seeking the immediate release of 50 per cent of Sh4.1 billion to Laikipia county and all other devolved units.

In the suit papers filed under a certificate of urgency, the CoG and Laikipia county has sued the Attorney-General, the Speaker of the Senate, the Senate, the Controller of Budget, the Treasury and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

 The Senate has been accused of failing in its constitutional duty, resulting in county operations grinding to a halt.

CoG chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said in a statement on Wednesday the shutdown had been occasioned by lack of resources after senators failed to agree on the revenue sharing formula.

All non-essential services have been suspended and county employees advised to proceed on leave for two weeks.

Photos: Courtesy