Counties call for operationalization of Sh26 Billion equalization funds

County Governments want the Sh26 billion equalisation funds for counties released.

Wycliffe Oparanya, the Council of Governors chair yesterday said it is time the Treasury released the funds to enable counties to utilise the monies.

The Kakamega Governor was speaking in Baringo, in the company of his counterpart Baringo Governor Stanley Kiptis, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Tiaty MP William Kamket and Baringo South legislator Charles Kamuren. The leaders had toured the flood-hit areas of Baringo.

“The equalisation funds amounting to Sh26 billion has been with the Treasury since we started devolution. We had problems and moved to court and a decision was made but the government is still reluctant to release the funds. This money and will assist more so the arid and semi-arid counties,” Oparanya said.

Further, the CoG chair noted that if counties had the funds even the revenue sharing formula stalemate being experienced would not have been experienced.

At the same time, Oparanya said floods and swelling of lakes in most parts of the country need an urgent solution.

Kiptis on his part urged residents to move to higher grounds and avoid areas hit by floods and water from the swelling Lakes Baringo and Bogoria.

Parts of Baringo affected by floods are Ilchamus, Mukutani, Tangulbei and Mogotio. Schools, health centres and security personnel camps have also been submerged. 

Kiptis added his voice to the push for operationalisation of equalisation funds.

The legislators called on the Senate to pass the Revenue Allocation Bill. 

“Pass the Equalisation Bill and the revenue-sharing formula so that we can get funds to assist our people. We don't need to keep crying to the national government for help yet we have the solution,” Kamket added.