The National Assembly has passed the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 21 of 2025), setting the stage for enhanced service delivery in Kenya’s marginalised regions during the 2025/26 financial year.

The Bill seeks to authorise the release of funds from the Equalisation Fund, established under Article 204(1) of the Constitution. The fund is aimed at facilitating the provision of basic services, including water, roads, health facilities, and electricity, in historically underserved areas to a level that is, as the Constitution states, “generally enjoyed by the rest of the nation, so far as possible.”

“The principal object of the Bill is to authorize the issue of a sum of money out of the Equalisation Fund and its application towards the service of the 2025/26 financial year,” the official statement by the National Assembly notes.

Boost for marginalised counties

The Bill provides a clear legal framework for disbursing monies to counties where marginalised communities reside. It also includes a detailed schedule of allocations to beneficiary counties, a move expected to ensure transparency and targeted development.

This development comes at a critical time when several counties continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and poor access to essential services. By unlocking these funds, the government aims to accelerate the implementation of projects that address long-standing inequalities.

Lawmakers who supported the Bill’s passage urged county governments to ensure prudent management of the funds and timely execution of projects. They noted that the Equalisation Fund is a key instrument for realising inclusive national growth and addressing historical imbalances.

The move is a step toward actualising constitutional promises. However, there must be a need for robust monitoring frameworks to ensure that the intended communities benefit directly from the funds. The passing of the 2025 Bill is expected to reinvigorate the Fund’s purpose and redirect focus to areas that have been left behind in the national development agenda.