Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has accused the National Treasury of undermining the spirit of devolution by frustrating counties through delayed disbursement of funds and excessive control over county resources.

In a statement shared on his X account on September 2, 2025, the outspoken lawmaker warned that the autonomy of county governments, as enshrined in the Constitution, was being eroded by what he termed as Treasury’s micromanagement.

“If I were a Governor in Kenya today, I’d remind the nation: county governments are autonomous under Articles 6 and 176. Executive power rests with the Governor under Article 179 — not the President,” Olekina said.

Intergovernmental relations

He stressed that the only lawful framework for cooperation between the two levels of government is through intergovernmental relations as stipulated under Article 189 and the Intergovernmental Relations Act.

He further asserted that the relationship should be based on cooperation rather than subordination.

“Devolution means power belongs to counties, not as an extension of presidential authority. A Governor is accountable to the people of the county, not to the President. Yet every day, the National Treasury undermines devolution by delaying and micromanaging county funds — weakening the very spirit of the Constitution,” he added.

Misuse of devolved funds

Ledama’s remarks come just weeks after he accused some governors of turning devolution into a personal cash machine, which has resulted in counties sinking into debt and accumulating pending bills.

In a statement posted on his official X account on August 15, 2025, Ledama called for the Senate to urgently convene its first-ever Oversight Summit to expose what he termed as the misuse of devolved funds.

“The Senate of Kenya must urgently convene its 1st Oversight Summit to lay bare how some governors have turned devolution into their personal ATM, drowning counties in debt and endless pending bills,” Ledama said.

“The so-called Devolution Conference? A cartel’s annual party for impunity, mocking the Constitution and spitting on the rule of law,” he added.