Reduction of funds allocation to counties betrays devolution

The standoff between the National Assembly and the Senate on quantum of revenue that should be allocated to counties is not just unfortunate but grossly inconsiderate. In the short history of our devolution system, we have had several standoffs between these two Houses on this question but most have been resolved in good time to allow counties to prepare their budgets in time.

We are now past the April 30 by which time counties should have prepared their budgets. What figures should they use as their revenue base? The Constitution had arranged the process in a manner that not only reduced contestation but was also concluded early enough to avoid inconveniencing counties in their budget process. As early as December, the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA), mandated to advise on sharing of revenue between the two levels of government, would have made its proposals and passed them to Parliament for further consultations and final decision.