Calls to release equalisation funds to counties

By JAMES MBAKA and ANJELLAH OWINO

Six governors from drought-prone regions have asked the Treasury to release the equalisation funds to enable them respond to the looming famine.

They said county governments knew exactly how to utilise the funds before effects of devastation start setting in.

Fourteen counties will benefit from the Sh3 billion equalisation fund, representing 0.5 per cent of the national revenue, for the next three years.

Ali Ibrahim Roba (Mandera), Godana Doyo (Isiolo), Ukur Yattani (Marsabit), Hussein Dado (Tana River), Issa Timamy (Lamu) and Nathif Adam (Garissa) said their governments were up to the task to confront the looming food shortages in their areas.

Addressing the Press at a Nairobi hotel, during the launch of the Garissa County website, the county chiefs said they would partner with each other to address the effects of drought.

They asked residents from their regions not to panic since measures had been put in place to mitigate the effects of drought. “The Commission on Revenue Allocation announced that the equalisation fund was meant for 14 counties to deal with drought and hunger, but that money continues to lie at the Treasury while we struggle,” Dado said.

The leaders announced a raft of long term measures to address food insecurity.