Governors push for Sh536 billion allocation to counties in new financial year

President Ruto and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa during burial service of Malava Mp Malulu Injendi in Malava on March 4, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] The Council of Governors (COG) is now lobbying for at least Sh536 billion to be included in the 2025/2026 national budget for counties. Speaking at Bukhungu Stadium during the swearing-in of County Public Service Board members, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who chairs the COG Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Affairs, said the proposal is backed by the bipartisan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. "One of the key agreements in the MoU was that counties should be allocated not less than Sh450 billion. As COG, we believe Sh536 billion is achievable and necessary, and we expect the national government to show political goodwill," stated Barasa. He urged President Ruto to honour the MoU's commitments to support devolution and ensure adequate resources are allocated to counties to meet development needs and public expectations. "In the agreement, it was clear that all devolved units must be given enough funds to be able to implement projects and to fulfil the desires of residents. We want those funds to be factored into the budget in the next financial year," he said. Governor Barasa also praised the Senate for championing increased county funding, saying senators have played a vital role in strengthening devolution. He noted that counties must be financially empowered to meet non-discretionary national obligations such as contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Housing Levy, and adjustments tied to a projected 5.3 per cent national revenue growth, estimated to translate into Sh21 billion. "We must provide for non-discretionary expenses, such as expenses arising from the national legislation, Social Health Authority (SHA), and Housing Levy, among others. We must also make a provision for adjustment due to revenue growth of 5.3 per cent, amounting to Sh21 billion," he explained. On county development, Barasa assured Kakamega residents that all ongoing projects would be completed before the 2027 general election. He confirmed collaboration with the national government on key infrastructure initiatives. "The construction of Bukhungu International Stadium will be completed by June 2026. President Ruto also committed to the completion of Kakamega Level 6 Hospital, and I've received assurance from Health CS Aden Duale that it will be finalised," he added. He further noted progress on Shamakhubu Hospital and Butere Level 4 Hospital. "I have been in touch with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, who has assured me that the hospital will be completed. All other projects that we are doing, including Shamakhubu Hospital and the Butere Level 4, will be completed," said Barasa. On early childhood education, Barasa said the county had spent Sh17 million to purchase desks and tables for ECDE centres, and urged contractors to complete ongoing ECDE infrastructure projects by June. "We want our children in the ECDEs to have a conducive learning environment," he said. He also announced a fertiliser distribution drive targeting over 150,000 widows and vulnerable households to boost food production. "Our focus is to ensure every household is food secure. From next week, I shall be moving around to issue top dressing fertiliser to over 150,000 widows and vulnerable families in the county. That is the focus we have to produce enough food," he added.

Governors push for Sh536 billion allocation to counties in new financial year

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Governors push for Sh536 billion allocation to counties in new financial year

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