The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget has accused the National Treasury of persistently frustrating counties through delayed disbursements of funds, warning that the practice is crippling devolved functions.
Chaired by Mandera Senator Cpt. Ali Roba, the committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Treasury’s repeated failure to release funds on time, despite being legally bound under the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, to ensure timely monthly transfers to counties.
While acknowledging that national revenue collections may fluctuate, the senators stressed that such challenges cannot be used as an excuse to deny counties the resources they require to operate effectively.
The committee’s frustrations came to the fore during its consideration of the County Governments (Equitable Share) Cash Disbursement Schedule for the 2025/2026 financial year. Members said the Treasury’s laxity undermines devolution and erodes public trust in national institutions.
“The law is clear—disbursements to counties must be made in full and on time,” one member of the committee remarked, warning that continued delays threaten service delivery and development at the grassroots.
The standoff adds to growing tensions between county governments and the National Treasury, with governors consistently lamenting stalled projects and unpaid workers due to cash-flow disruptions.
