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Anne Waiguru, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, has lauded the Senate and Members of Parliament for agreeing to raise the equitable share to counties by Ksh9 billion.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the Kirinyaga Governor noted that that the counties will receive Ksh400.1 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Equitable share to counties has always been a contentious issue between the governors and lawmakers. However, Waiguru applauded the Senate Finance Committee led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba and the Division of Revenue Allocation Mediation committee for helping counties more funds in the upcoming financial year.

According to the second term governor, the National Assembly played a critical role increasing the funds set to be shared by the 47 counties starting from July, 2024.

“The Council of Governors specially thanks the Senate finance committee led by Mandera Senator Ali Roba and by extension the Division of Revenue Allocation Mediation committee of the Senate and National Assembly for increasing the Equitable share to counties by Ksh9 billion to arrive at Ksh400.1 billion in FY 2024/2025,” Waiguru’s statement read in part.

The Council of Governors @KenyaGovernors specially thanks the Senate finance committee led by @aliiroba and by extension the Division of Revenue Allocation Mediation committee of the Senate and National Assembly for increasing the Equitable share to counties by 9B to arrive at… pic.twitter.com/jEmCqILkYQ

— Anne Waiguru EGH, OGW (@AnneWaiguru) May 28, 2024

Promoting devolution

Waiguru lauded the two legislative bodies for raising the equitable share to counties arguing that the funds will help promote devolution.

She asserted that the funds will be channelled towards different projects and end the stalemate involving various county-funded projects.

“Devolution is sacrosanct in the constitution and adequately resourcing functions that counties are mandated to deliver is progressive and a welcome move,” Waiguru added.

Equitable share

Before striking the new deal, the Council of Governors decided to direct the talks to the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This is after the initial talks between the National Treasury and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) failed to reach a consensus.

Treasury proposed a Ksh391 billion equitable share while CRA proposed Ksh398.14 billion. However, the Council of Governors proposed Ksh439.5 billion as equitable share and Ksh10.52 billion as Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).

“In view of the foregoing and upon careful consideration of the matter at hand, the Council hereby declares a stalemate on the discussions around vertical sharing of revenue. In this regard, we urge that our proposal of Ksh450 billion to counties be adopted, “Waiguru stated.

Nonetheless, Waiguru has now lauded the MPs and Senators for helping to address the contentious issue ahead of the 2024/25 financial year.

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