Senators slam National Assembly over equalisation fund law

Four senators have criticised members of the National Assembly for proposing to amend the Constitution to place the Equalisation Fund under their control.

Senate Chair of Finance Committee Billow Kerrow said there was no way the National Assembly could amend the Constitution simply because they have the powers to do so.

He said out of the 14 counties set to receive the money, the county that would receive the highest amount would get Sh200 million and sub-dividing it among several constituencies would hinder development.

"I wish Kenyans would challenge the amendment. Dividing the money among seven or 10 constituencies would see each get about Sh10million. What will they do with that amount?" he posed.

Noting that the fund was meant to improve marginalised areas  for a period of 20 years, he warned the legislators to be careful in amending the laws. Kerrow was speaking during a special sitting of Embu County Assembly yesterday which was hosted by Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi were in attendance.

Elachi warned that by taking the fund to the constituencies, counties might end up losing the original objective of the fund.

The fund takes up 0.5 per cent of the total national revenue and was created by the new Constitution to provide special support to marginalised areas, which are identified by the Commission on Revenue Allocation.

The senators also urged county governments to prioritise allocation of funds to functions that have real benefits to the citizens.

Kerrow asked county governments to plan and use their money prudently so that critical functions such as health run smoothly.

 Kivuti asked county assemblies to reduce their expenses and have 60 per cent of their revenue spent on development.

Elachi asked county assemblies to avoid excessive foreign travels.