Nairobi MCAs vow to paralyse assembly business

Governor Mike Sonko. MCAs says bursary programme he launched in April has not paid cash to beneficiaries. [File, Standard]

Ward representatives have threatened to disrupt operations at the assembly if they do not get Sh400 million from the executive for bursaries. 

The bursary programme was launched by governor Mike Sonko in early April, but cash is yet to be paid to the beneficiaries, three months later.

During a heated session last Thursday, the MCAs expressed their displeasure over the delay in the release of the funds.

If they make good their threat, the county could delay the passing of the Sh35.2 billion finance bill among other crucial bills.

According to City Hall officials, the funds have been delayed by the Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo.

Ms Odhiambo is demanding full accountability for the previous year’s bursary allocations, before she can authorise the release of funds for the current year.  

Kayole Central MCA Jeremiah Themendu accused the House leadership of laxity in following up the bursary issue.

“We will not step foot into the assembly if the beneficiaries will not have received their bursary funds," said Mr Themendu.

Kilimani MCA David Mberia urged his colleagues to champion for the release of the funds in one voice regardless of whether they were nominated or elected.

On Wednesday last week, the County Executive for Education Lucia Mulwa and finance chief officer Halkano Waqo had a rough time over the delay.

Speaker Chege Mwaura has directed the Finance and Appropriations Committee to look into the issue and table a report by Thursday this week.