County bosses, Commission for Revenue Allocation differ on proposed revenue formula

Kenya: Tempers flared on Thursdayduring a consultative meeting between governors and the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA) on the proposed formula for sharing resources.

Governors faulted the intended second generation formula for sharing revenue, arguing it will disadvantage counties already marginalised like Turkana and Baringo.

The county bosses were angered by suggestions that allocation to some counties, which receive higher shares should be reduced and the monies shared among those getting the least.

At some point when the engagement threatened to get out of hand, the governors and CRA resorted to a private session, locking out the media.

"We do not agree with these proposals. The essence of devolution is to develop all counties. Trying to balance the equation by diverting funds to other counties is unacceptable," said a governor who declined to be named.

 COUNTIES' INTERESTS

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The Standard has established the meeting was stormy as governors refused to consider their counties losing funds to others. They instead urged CRA Chairman Micah Cheserem to come up with a formula that will ensure fair distribution of resources without causing any tension.

Cheserem asked the meeting to deliberate the draft recommendation before formally submitting it to the Senate for consideration. "CRA has prepared a draft recommendation for the second generation formula for sharing revenue following concerns raised on the basis for equitable share of revenue raised by the national government among counties for the next three financial years," noted Cheserem.

He continued: "The commission wishes to consult with governors on their views on the draft." More than 30 governors attended the charged meeting in Kwale County, which was convened by Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Mohammed (Wajir).

Mr Abdullahi urged his colleagues to focus on the parameters used in the proposed formula and the weight of the recommendations. Senators and governors have expressed concern that the current formula does not factor in every county's interests.