Counties have not received any funds from the National Government since August, Kakamega governor Fernandes Barasa has said.
Barasa said services in many counties were nearly grinding to a halt as they lacked enough resources to implement their various development projects.
“We have not received any funds for nearly three months totalling to the tune of Sh100 billion,” he added.
The county chief, who chairs the Finance Committee in the Council of Governors, pointed out that they badly needed the money to enable purchase drugs, hire medics, improve road network, pay staff, construct new markets, among other services.
“For instance, when residents of Kakamega elected me in 2022, I embarked on my six pillars of economic development,” said Barasa.
“These include water, health and sanitation, food security, education, community development and good leadership. I need the resources to have them implemented,” he added.
Development projects
He said the funds were critical in ensuring that he implements and initiates more development projects and other services. He said despite the challenges, he would work hard to develop the County in line with his pre-election pledges.
Barasa reiterated that no fake fertilizer was procured and distributed to the County as claimed earlier in the year.
“There is bumper harvest across the county which confirms that the fertilizer we distributed was not just genuine but of very high quality. Those who fell for the tricks of our saboteurs and declined to purchase them are now regretting,” he added.
The governor was speaking at Inaya Primary School in Butere Constituency on Monday when he graced this year’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Kakamega County.