Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has proposed a special Senate sub-committee to monitor county budgets in a bid to curb fiscal discipline across the devolved units.

Taking to his official X account on Friday, June 5, 2026, Ledama has highlighted persistent fiscal indiscipline in the counties, where budgets are often diverted or poorly executed despite parliamentary approval.

“Fiscal discipline in our counties must stop being optional. I call upon the Senate Budget Committee to establish a dedicated Implementation Sub-Committee to ensure that once county budgets are approved, they are executed strictly as passed, without deviation,” Ledama stated.

The senator has further proposed strengthening existing laws to criminalise unauthorised expenditure by governors, suggesting penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and personal liability of up to Ksh50 million.

“We must also strengthen the law to criminalise any expenditure outside an approved budget by a governor, with penalties including up to five years’ imprisonment and personal liability of up to Ksh50 million,” he explained.

In addition, Ledama has raised concerns regarding contractors’ payments, citing that delayed payments harm businesses, cost jobs, and weaken local economies.

Senate oversight duties

Ledama went on to address the long-standing issue of pending bills, demanding prompt payment to contractors whenever funds have been allocated in the budget.

“At the same time, contractors must be paid promptly where funds have already been allocated. Delayed payments harm businesses, cost jobs, and weaken local economies,” he added.

Defending his public commentary on the matter, the Narok senator argued that open engagement by legislators is essential for building pressure and ensuring accountability in Kenya’s devolved system.

“To those who question why I am speaking out while serving in Parliament, this is precisely how accountability works. Public engagement builds pressure, consensus, and urgency,” Ledama reinstated.

“By raising these issues openly, we help ensure that reforms are not only proposed but fully implemented. This is about safeguarding public resources, restoring trust, and delivering meaningful development in our counties,” he added.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Senate and county governors over fiscal oversight, pending bills, and the equitable division of national revenue. Olekina has previously sponsored oversight bills aimed at enhancing senatorial scrutiny of county spending