Ndindi Nyoro pushes Parliament to boost county allocations under devolution
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 26, 2026Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has called on Parliament to increase the money allocated to county governments in the 2026/27 financial year, saying the current figure does not reflect Kenya’s rising revenues and economic pressures.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, during debate on the Division of Revenue Bill, Nyoro said the country has recorded stronger revenue growth yet continues to hold county funding at the same level.
“Thank you very much, Honorable Speaker, for giving me this chance,” he said. “It is important that we also be considerate as members of the National Assembly to our county governments.”
Nyoro noted that national revenues have grown by about 8 to 10 per cent compared to the previous financial year. He also pointed out that Parliament will soon consider a record budget of about Ksh4.8 trillion.
Despite this growth, the National Treasury has proposed that counties continue receiving Ksh420 billion, the same allocation as the current financial year. Nyoro said this approach is unfair.
“We have actually maintained the same amount we gave to our county governments, the share of revenue of Ksh420 billion,” he said. “I don’t think that is fair, especially given that inflationary pressures alone will be over 5 per cent.”
He argued that inflation alone reduces the real value of county funding, making it harder for devolved governments to deliver services.
Nyoro also urged MPs to support devolution in practice, not just in principle. He said Parliament must reflect on whether it is strengthening or weakening county governments through budget decisions.
“We must support devolution and be seen to actually support it,” he said.
Revenue sharing debate intensifies
His remarks come at a time when different institutions have proposed higher allocations for counties. The Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) has recommended Ksh458.94 billion for counties in the next financial year. The proposal includes additional funds to cover rising service delivery costs and the transition of Universal Health Coverage workers to permanent and pensionable terms.
The Council of Governors has also pushed for at least Ksh450 billion, arguing that the current Ksh420 billion is not enough to meet rising demands in health care, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The debate has exposed differences between Parliament, the Treasury, and counties over how to share national revenue. While the Treasury has defended the Ksh420 billion allocation, it has argued that the figure already meets constitutional requirements.
The Senate has also raised concerns. Senators warned that the proposed allocation may strain service delivery at the county level, especially in health and agriculture. They said counties already struggle with rising wage bills and increasing operational costs.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has added further pressure to the discussion by warning that Kenya may need to cut its budget if economic growth slows. He said debt servicing alone will take about Ksh1.5 trillion, leaving limited fiscal space for other spending.
Mbadi said most of the remaining funds already go to fixed obligations such as salaries, county allocations, and education support. He questioned where additional cuts could be made without disrupting essential services.
Ndindi Nyoro warned against personalising the debate on county funding, saying MPs should focus on policy rather than politics.
“When we personalise like we are giving this money to specific governors, we are likely to be subjective,” he said. “We need to be honest to the Kenyan people.”
He also raised concerns about the political balance in Parliament, arguing that clear opposition and government roles have become blurred.
“We now have a situation where the government joined opposition and the opposition joined government,” he said. “There must be alternative voices in this House.”
The Division of Revenue Bill now moves to mediation between the National Assembly and the Senate. The outcome will determine how much money counties receive and how they deliver services in the next financial year.
Nyoro concluded by urging MPs to make a decision that reflects Kenya’s economic reality and supports devolution.
“Let us support devolution and be seen to actually support it,” he said.