Senators have issued a warning to the National Treasury over persistent delays in disbursing funds to county governments, saying that the delays put the counties at risk of shutting down important county operations and service delivery.
During the press briefing at the Senate Liaison Committee retreat, Deputy Speaker and Meru Committee Chair Senator Kathuri Murungi said the treasury's failure to release funds on time has made it hard for counties to pay workers and provide basic services.
"Last week, the Treasury CS appeared before the National Assembly and made commitments regarding the disbursement of NG-CDF funds. Likewise, we’ll summon him to the Senate every quarter to ensure counties receive their rightful share, without delay,” Murungi said.
The Senators said that they will summon the Treasury Cabinet Secretary at the start of every quarter to explain why funds are delayed and should provide updates to address the crisis.
His comments came amid growing discontent among county governments and Senators over stalled developments and mounting wage arrests.
Just recently, on April 22, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o protested what he called the diversion of county funds by the National Treasury to the national government's control, saying such actions were sabotaging devolution and hurting citizens who rely on county services.
Nyong'o, in his statement, referenced the ongoing dispute between county government and the national government over the management of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), which the president insists should be moved to the national government's control.
President Ruto hinted at taking up the issue of road maintenance, insisting that leaving it to the national government would end the overlapping responsibilities and ensure effective management of resources.
He dismissed Ruto's justification for the continued operation of national roads agencies like the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA), saying they undermine the spirit of devolution.
"The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) need not exist if the national government is prepared to fully implement devolution,” Nyong’o said.
Senators echoed similar concerns, saying that the Treasury’s continued delays risk shutting down county governments entirely, especially those already struggling with limited resources.
The warning comes as pressure grows on the national government to uphold the principles of devolution and ensure timely and fair funding for county operations.
