Governors censure embattled Waiguru over donor funding

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru addressing the media reacting on a story carried in the standard on 18/06/15 on ministerial tenders awarded to suppliers. ON 18/06/15 [PHOTO/ JENIPHER WACHIE/STANDARD]

Governors have accused Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru of refusing to sign crucial documents to permit development partners to finance projects in the counties.

They said counties risk losing billions in financial aid from the European Union (EU) and United States Aid (USAid) if the situation persists.

They have condemned the decision by the CS to delay the signing of the foreign policy agreements since September last year to unlock funding for county projects, which are presently under-funded.

The condemnation comes after the governors held a meeting with development partners in Nairobi yesterday where the donors  registered their frustrations and sought intervention.

The counties might lose Sh1.7 billion from the European Union (EU) for capacity building, projects in agriculture, health and water, and close to Sh5 billion from USAid.

"The funds are necessary and will assist in development.  The Devolution ministry has refused to sign the necessary agreements," said Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman Peter Munya (Meru), who threatened to raise the matter during the Summit.

He continued, “The donors are also concerned about the goings-on at the ministry. Nothing has happened since September 15 last year. If the CS gives the green light, the counties will benefit immensely in such sectors as water, health and agriculture.”

The chairman stressed that counties urgently need funds for development and any assistance for development from donors will come in handy and should be encouraged.

"The CS's defiance delays money that would be used on projects that would benefit Kenyans. As governors, we will seek to address this through the Summit,” said Mr Munya, who was flanked by more than 10 governors.

He added, “We demand to know the reasons for Ms Waiguru's refusal to consent yet counties are starved of funds. The CS is mum yet resources are at stake. Counties are still asking for more money."

Munya emphasised that development is a major component of devolved units and, therefore, more funds are required to actualise it.

Council Vice Chairman Salim Mvurya (Kwale) asked Waiguru to immediately sign the pending agreements to allow counties get funds.