Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has called for a strict adherence to the original allocation criteria for the Equalisation Fund, emphasising that it should benefit only the 14 most marginalised counties as stipulated in the Constitution.

The senator’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions in the Senate about extending the implementation period of the Equalisation Fund. Article 204 of the Constitution states that the implementation of the fund shall elapse 20 years from the time the Constitution was promulgated.

However, lawmakers are considering extending this period by 10 years to ensure that marginalised regions receive adequate support.

Speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Khalwale criticised the expansion of the fund’s reach to additional counties, which he termed joy riders.

“We must be sensitive to the 14 counties and ensure they fully benefit from the Equalisation Fund,” Khalwale stated.

“In the new criteria, some counties are getting Ksh50 million, an amount that cannot do proper projects.”

The Equalisation Fund, established under Article 204 of the Constitution, is designed to provide basic services such as water, roads, health facilities, and electricity to marginalised areas to the extent necessary to bring the quality of those services in those areas to the level generally enjoyed by the rest of the nation.

Initially, the fund was intended to benefit 14 counties: Turkana, Lamu, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Samburu, West Pokot, Tana River, Narok, Kwale, Garissa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, and Isiolo. However, the Commission on Revenue Allocation later expanded the list to include 34 counties, a move that has sparked controversy among some lawmakers.

Khalwale has been vocal in advocating for the original 14 counties, arguing that the expansion dilutes the impact of the fund.

“The Equalisation Fund must remain unspent until the House approves the regulations ensuring the funds are channelled to identified counties,” he asserted.

“If we allow this to go to constituencies, then we will reduce the Equalisation Fund to petty things like Uwezo Fund or Constituency Development Fund.”

   Khalwale underscored the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of the most disadvantaged counties, ensuring that the Equalisation Fund serves its intended purpose.