National Treasury Put On Notice Over Delayed County Funds
Senators have issued a warning to the National Treasury about the ongoing delays in disbursing monies to county governments.
They said that the delays put the counties at risk of ceasing critical county operations and service delivery.
During a press briefing at the Senate Liaison Committee retreat, Deputy Speaker and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi stated that the Treasury’s refusal to disburse funds on time has made it difficult for counties to pay employees and provide basic services.
“Last week, the Treasury CS appeared before the National Assembly and made commitments regarding the disbursement of NG-CDF funds,” Murungi said.
“Likewise, we’ll summon him to the Senate every quarter to ensure counties receive their rightful share, without delay.”
Senators have issued a sharp warning to the National Treasury over chronic delays in disbursing funds to counties. They pledge to summon the Cabinet Secretary at the start of every quarter in a bid to safeguard service delivery and protect counties from financial paralysis.… pic.twitter.com/ybqSHJ83Eh
— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) April 24, 2025
The Senators stated that they will summon the Treasury Cabinet Secretary at the beginning of each quarter to explain why funds are delayed and to offer updates on the problem.
His statements came as county governments and Senators were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with stalled developments and soaring wage arrests.
On April 22, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o opposed what he described as the National Treasury’s diversion of county finances to national government authority.
Nyongo noted that such measures undermine devolution and harm individuals who rely on county services.
In his statement, Nyong’o mentioned the ongoing dispute between county governments and the national government over the management of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
President Ruto insists that it be transferred to the national government’s management.
The president hinted at taking up the subject, stressing that delegating it to the national government would eliminate conflicting obligations and ensure proper budget allocation.
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He questioned Ruto’s rationale for the continued operation of national road bodies like as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA), claiming that it undermines the spirit of devolution.
“The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) need not exist if the national government is prepared to fully implement devolution,” Nyong’o said.
Senators expressed similar worries, claiming that the Treasury’s ongoing delays threaten completely shutting down county governments, particularly those already grappling with low finances.
The warning comes as pressure mounts on the national government to maintain the ideals of devolution and provide timely and equitable funding for county operations.
National Treasury Put On Notice Over Delayed County Funds
