Governors demand funds disbursement to counties

Kirinyaga Governor and Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

The Council of Governors, led by its chairperson Ann Waiguru, has urged the government to disburse funds to counties to enable them to run their operations and pay debts.

Speaking on Friday, June 21, the governors noted that the government owes them funds for two months, resulting delays in various sectors.

Among the affected areas include the payment of KEMSA's debt and workers' salaries.

"The monies we are owed are for two months. Given that we were recently criticised for not paying KEMSA's debt, it will not be possible to settle those debts unless we receive our full disbursement," the governors noted.

They added, "Right now, we have to make a hard choice between paying KEMSA's debts and paying salaries for those working in hospitals."

Furthermore, the leaders demanded that NHIF settle their debt as the government prepares to transition to SHIF.

According to CoG, NHIF owes them Sh8 billion, which, if not settled, might end up as pending bills.