Governors in blame game over drought

Governors Kiraitu Murungi, James Ongwae , Mwangi waIria , COG Chair Wycliff Oparanya , Kivutha Kibwana and Muthomi Njuki. [George Njunge, Standard]

Governors have accused the National Treasury of delaying to release money to help them fight drought.

Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya said the counties have little resources that cannot address the crisis.

“The National Treasury perennially disburses monies to counties late. Delayed disbursements mean that counties are not able to adequately deliver services to citizens and in this case, respond in time to the affected populations,” Mr Oparanya said.

He was speaking after a meeting by governors that sought to deliberate on ways to support counties affected by severe drought such as Turkana and Baringo.

The CoG chair said that as a temporary measure, the governors would put aside funds to address drought.

The county chiefs also proposed to establish a food fund to be used in times of emergency.

“In the short term, the governors have established a special kitty where they will make contributions to support the affected counties,” said Oparanya.

He added: "Governors also want an urgent meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta so that both levels of government can develop long-term solutions to this problem."

Oparanya also lambasted State agencies and corporations and called for their restructuring, saying, “A lot of funds continue to be channeled to these institutions yet they are duplicating what the county governments are already doing."

He, however, did not name the State agencies.

The governors said they would also seek for the formation of an intergovernmental task force on food security which would receive periodic briefs on the drought and also provide policy direction.

“The national and county governments should be in consonance in their response so that food and other relief can reach Kenyans in need,” said Oparanya.