The fate of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is facing uncertainty as the Senate leadership team remains deadlocked over revenue allocation to counties.
The Standard was first to report that the Senate leadership team had held several meetings ahead of the expected passing of the third basis formula for the allocation of funds.
However, no deal was reached as governors from Arid and semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties decried marginalisation in the plan.
Leaders allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have been deadlocked with some members noting that passing the formula would be detrimental to their political careers and would eventually lead to the BBI failing.
"We are having a robust debate. The issues are predicted on revenue allocation. The formula that was to be tabled disadvantages many counties and we are trying to mitigate the disparities," stated Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr.
Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka reportedly called for an informal meeting on Tuesday, July 7, in a bid to get a last-minute deal before the senators voted on the matter.
Governors from ASAL regions have appealed to the Senators to get a formula where no counties would lose any funds.
The counties that stand to lose billions if the formula is adopted include, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River, Garissa, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi.
Wajir county will be most affected as it will lose Ksh1.9 billion, Mandera Ksh1.8 billion, Tana River Ksh1.5 billion, and Garissa Ksh1.2 billion.
"Any formula that reduces allocation to counties should not be allowed without cushioning the counties that are negatively impacted.
"Besides, the timing is very wrong because of the economic difficulties within the counties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic," Governor Ali Korane stated.
