A storm is brewing between County Assemblies and the National Government over the controversial Kshs. 4.24 billion budget cuts that have left many devolved units struggling to function effectively. The matter took center stage today at a high-profile Special General Assembly convened by the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Among the notable leaders present were Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya, and Kitui MCAs, who joined their colleagues from across the country in demanding urgent action to restore the funds. The MCAs argue that the cuts, effected through the County Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA), 2024, and the Division of Revenue Act (DORA), 2024, have unfairly shifted money from County Assemblies to the County Executive’s recurrent expenditures.
A Fierce Push for Amendments
The assembly resolved to petition the Senate to initiate amendments to CARA in consultation with the National Assembly to reverse the Kshs. 4.24 billion reallocation and ensure County Assemblies receive their rightful share of resources.
Kitui County, one of the hardest-hit regions, suffered a staggering Kshs. 116 million cut, leaving MCAs struggling to execute their oversight, representation, and legislative roles.
Speaking at the forum, Nairobi Senator Hon. Edwin Sifuna reaffirmed his commitment to championing County Assemblies’ financial independence.
“We have a Bill on County Assemblies’ financial autonomy in the Senate, and I personally commit to fully supporting it. Once enacted, this Bill will ensure that assemblies receive their funds directly from the National Treasury,” said Senator Sifuna.
His remarks were echoed by Murang’a Governor, H.E. Irungu Kang’ata, who backed the push for financial autonomy, acknowledging that MCAs play a critical role in grassroots representation and service delivery.
Ward Equalization Fund and MCAs’ Pension Also on the Table
Beyond the budget cuts, MCAs also pushed for the establishment of a Ward Equalization Fund, aimed at ensuring fair resource allocation to all wards, regardless of their economic status. Additionally, they called for timely pension payments for former MCAs, citing financial struggles among retired county legislators.
With pressure mounting, all eyes are now on the Senate and the Executive to see whether they will heed the MCAs’ call and rectify what many in the County Assemblies view as an assault on devolution.
