Former Kiambu County Governor James Nyoro has hailed the recent changes in revenue allocation to county governments, terming them a game-changer for county assemblies.

Nyoro’s remarks come after President William Ruto announced a major boost to Kenya’s county governments by signing into law the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2025, and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, at the State Lodge in Homa Bay on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Speaking on K24 television on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Nyoro revealed that some counties had gone for as long as four to five months without receiving their funds, a situation that crippled service delivery.

“I have evidence that some counties have not received money for as long as 4–5 months. What happened yesterday was the best for county assemblies,” he said.

The former Kiambu County boss also noted that during his tenure as governor, he only served one month without the COVID-19 crisis, but when the pandemic struck, his administration worked closely with the county assembly to make budget appropriations and adopt new measures.

He further explained that in the past, funds were first sent to county governments, which then decided if, when, and how to disburse them to county assemblies — often causing delays.

“With the new arrangement, the Controller of Budget will now be sending money directly to the county assembly at the same time they send to the county government,” Nyoro said, adding that the move would enhance independence and efficiency in legislative operations at the county level.

Ruto speaks

Speaking on the latest development, the Head of State said the reform is expected to ease financial bottlenecks, strengthen oversight, and improve county-level governance, particularly in ensuring that assemblies can function without undue financial pressure from the executive.

“This significant increase in the funds underpins our commitment to mobilising more resources to support devolution and boost service delivery to the people at the grassroots,” President Ruto said during the signing ceremony in Homa Bay County during the devolution conference.

The County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, sponsored by Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, amends the Public Finance Management Act to establish a County Assembly Fund in every county.