As politicians from the Mt Kenya region continue to fight for the one-man one-shilling funding model, data from the National Assembly shows the region received the least amount from the Equalisation Fund for the financial year ending June 2024.
The equalisation fund disbursed by the National Government is meant to provide basic services to marginalised areas to be at par with other regions in Kenya.
In total, 34 counties were identified to receive the funding, which will be used channelled towards the provision of water, roads, health facilities and electricity.
Only Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nakuru and Tharaka Nithi from 11 Mt Kenya made the list of beneficiaries.
Additionally, the selected Mt Kenya Counties, except Laikipia, received far fewer amounts compared to the other counties.
Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nakuru and Tharaka Nithi received Ksh126 million, Ksh31 million, Ksh6 million, Ksh6 million and Ksh46 million, respectively.
Murang'a was the only Mt Kenya county from the defunct central province to receive the equalisation fund.
This was in contrast to most counties in North Eastern and Rift Valley regions which received amounts to the tune of billions.
For example, Turkana received Ksh1.2 billion while West Pokot has been given Ksh1 billion for development projects.
Other counties that reaped big include; Narok (Ksh812 million), Mandera (Ksh793 million), Wajir (768 million), Samburu (683 million), Garissa (Ksh663 million), and Baringo (Ksh626 million).
Coastal counties also benefited from the kitty, with only Mombasa missing from the list.
Mt Kenya leaders are seeking to amend the current funding formula, arguing that it favours counties with the least population rather than those that are densely populated.
