Counties need skilled staff to manage funds

The Division of Revenue Bill 2015 has been approved by the National Assembly and forwarded to the Senate. The Bill proposes allocation of Sh258 billion to county governments for the next financial year. Counties will also receive additional allocations of Sh25 billion from the National Government for, among others, free maternal health, leasing of medical equipment, and for Level 5 hospitals. This will be the third budget and financial year for the County Governments.

The allocation of funds to counties is not sufficient to effectively carry out their functions and responsibilities. The Senate and the National Government have a constitutional, legal and moral obligation to build the capacities of county governments, particularly County Assemblies, who ultimately are responsible for allocating of funds for county functions through the approval of the budget and monitoring the use of these funds.