Governors threaten to shut down counties in 2 weeks over funds delay

Waiguru decried that counties have not received their allocations for four months.

In Summary
  • Waiguru said devolution is under threat from the national government.  
  • She said the four-month delay is unprecedented in the history of devolution.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru answers audit questions when she appeared before County Public Accounts Committee in Parliament on April 20, 2023.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru answers audit questions when she appeared before County Public Accounts Committee in Parliament on April 20, 2023.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A

Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru has said counties will shut down in two weeks over the delay of funds by the National Treasury.

Waiguru said devolution is under threat from the national government.  

She spoke on Monday after holding a meeting with fellow governors.

"The Council of Governors hereby issues a 14 days notice to shut down counties, if February, March and April arrears are not released within two weeks,"  Waiguru said. 

Waiguru decried that counties have not received their allocations for four months. 

"As of April 24,  the National Treasury had not disbursed Sh94.35 billion," she said. 

She said the four-month delay is unprecedented in the history of devolution and negates the spirit of the meeting held in Naivasha between President William Ruto and the governors.

"We call upon the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary to immediately release the Sh94.35 billion owed to county governments without any further delay," she said. 

She also notified all Kenyas that due to the failure of the National Treasury to disburse the funds, county governments will not be able to deliver services as expected.

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