Row brews between Nakuru county's executive arm and the assemblyover funds reallocation

The Nakuru County Assembly in session. The assembly has raised concerns regarding the move to allocate more money to the department of health. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

A row is brewing between the county's executive arm and the assembly following a move to reallocate over Sh300 million from the former to the latter.

The proposal, contained in a controversial Supplementary Budget, has split the assembly and Governor Kinuthia Mbugua.

Several adjustments have been made to the 2014-2015 budget to plug holes after the county failed to generate the revenue anticipated.

Members of the country assembly claim the plan to move Sh345 million from the assembly will paralyse its activities.

The Supplementary Budget, being scrutinised by the Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, also proposes an allocation increase in the Department of Health from Sh2.1 billion to Sh2.4 billion.

The increase has raised eyebrows as mystery still surrounds the use of a Sh600 million Conditional Grant by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).

Cover up

"We are very suspicious about the new allocation to the Health department as it may be an attempt to cover up usage of the Sh600 million grant, which is still under investigation," said one of the MCAs.

Other realignments in the estimates include a reallocation of Sh20 million from the Trade and Tourism docket while the Roads, Transport and Public Works has received more funds totalling Sh25 million.

Angered by some of the recommendations, a number of MCAs have demanded the resignation of Finance Secretary Francis Mathea, accusing him of failing to consult before coming up with the budget.

Agriculture and Livestock Committee Chairman Mwangi Waithaka said agriculture could be paralysed due to inadequate funding.

"Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and it is surprising to see that it continues to receive a paltry allocation," Mr Waithaka said.

Waithaka, also the Kabazi ward rep, said extension officers could not go to the field due to lack of funds while drought mitigation measures by the committee had been ignored.

He said following the attack by the Maize Lethal Necrosis disease, most farmers faced hunger and the county should have set more funds to alleviate their suffering.

Majority Leader Waithuki Njane said they wanted Mathea out of office for failing to come up with ways to generate more revenue.

"He should resign because his work has been below par," Mr Njane said.

Mathea declined to comment on the allegations, saying the Supplementary Budget was being discussed by the Assembly Budget Committee.

Budget Committee Chairman Moses Ndungu said, "We have heard from the committees chairmen and tomorrow (Thursday) we will be listening to the executive before coming up with a final report that will balance the interests of all parties."