Siaya Senator James Orengo addresses the media outside the Supreme Court after they filed a case seeking its advisory interpretation over President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to assent to the Division of Revenue Bill last year. They have said they will push for additional disbursement to counties to spur economic growth. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

By ROSELYNE OBALA and MOSES NJAGI

NAIROBI, KENYA: Senators have backed calls for an increment in the national revenue allocation to counties, up from the proposed Sh217.87 billion by the National Assembly.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Devolution Committee Chairman Kipchumba Murkomen and Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi have indicated they are willing to push for additional disbursement to counties to spur economic growth.

They, however, stressed that county chief executive officers must account for funds allocated to the devolved units.

“We are going to lobby for an increment in the Senate to ensure counties are not starved of funds,” Wamatangi said.

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The senator announced that the matter would be discussed in relevant Senate committees to come up with a figure that will be reasonable and sufficient to counties.

Wamatangi stressed that devolution is the cornerstone of the new Constitution and it was therefore the duty of legislators to ensure devolved units function as required.

“Counties need to be properly funded. This is the only way county governments will discharge their mandate as required,” he stressed.

Speaking to The Standard on phone, the senator admitted that the figure proposed by the National Assembly Budget and Appropriation Committee in its budget policy statement was well below expectation.

“We will not allow counties’ allocation to be reduced. As much as Kenyans would want to hold the county chiefs accountable, it should not be used as a reason to deny them funds,” he argued.

SERVICE DELIVERY

Prof Kindiki said there should be prudent use of the funds if Kenyans are to benefit from the fruits of devolution. “Governors must be ready to be held accountable,” he added.

Murkomen said the role of senators was to protect counties and ensure service delivery to people at the grassroots. “We are ready to work with governors to ensure counties are adequately funded,” he added.

Independent reports by Auditor General Edward Ouko and Controller of Budgets Agnes Odhiambo have raised serious concerns over the use of funds in the devolved units.