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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the National Treasury will disburse pending allocations for counties and assured of the government’s readiness to maintain rapport with devolved units.

The DP said the government was working hard to ensure higher revenues so that delays experienced recently are dealt with going forward.

Speaking in Mombasa when he opened the Deputy Governors’ Consultative Meeting yesterday, Gachagua said the National government had decided to share what is collected rather than borrow to send to counties.

“It’s true we have had slight disbursement challenges. We have decided that we are not going to borrow money to pay salaries because it is not prudent and unsustainable. We are going to rely on our revenues. Soon counties will receive their allocations,” said the DP during the event at Pride Inn Hotel.

He further noted that the government is tightening tax collection controls in a bid seal loopholes occasioning revenue leakages.

He challenged the deputies to strive to work respectfully with their governors, saying the previous conflicts should be a thing of the past.

While praising the good working relationship he enjoys with President William Ruto, the DP said the governors and their deputies ought to emulate them for better service delivery to the people.

Borrow a leaf

“Governors should borrow a leaf from the President who has allowed his deputy to work and has fully facilitated my office with resources,” Gachagua said.

The DP encouraged governors to allow their deputies to work, asking them to ensure they are well facilitated. “I’m requesting governors to allow their deputies to enable them to assist them deliver on their mandate. The deputies should also respect and keep up with the governors’ working pace because they are their bosses,” asserted the DP. As the Department in charge of Devolution is domiciled in his office, the DP encouraged deputy governors to feel free to consult with his office on issues critical to their roles and service to Kenyans.

Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika said the devolved units should endeavour to solve disputes without intensifying the disagreements.

“We should work together and support each other as we serve in the two levels of government. We should always amicably solve emerging intergovernmental issues for the success of devolution,” said Makolwe.

Chairperson of Deputy Governors’ forum Martin Moshisho said they are ready to work with national and county leaders to ensure the success of devolution.