Win for counties as Ruto assents to two County bills

President William Ruto signs the County Allocation of Revenue Bill and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill at State Lodge, Homa Bay on August 13, 2025. [PCS]

President William Ruto has this morning signed into law the County Allocation of Revenue Bill and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, days after both measures passed in the National Assembly and the Senate.

The County Allocation of Revenue Bill increases the shareable revenue for counties from Sh387.4 billion in the previous financial year to Sh415 billion. 

It also outlines how the equitable share will be distributed among the 47 counties in line with the approved revenue-sharing formula.

“We have increased the equitable share of revenue to Sh415 billion among our 47 Counties, representing a rise of almost Sh30 billion from the previous financial year’s Sh387.4 billion,” said Ruto.

President William Ruto signs the County Allocation of Revenue Bill 2025 and the County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023, providing for an increase in counties’ equitable revenue share to KSh415 billion#DevCon2025 pic.twitter.com/WbxBUjLp2d

— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 13, 2025

“The significant increase in the funds underpins our commitment to mobilising more resources to support devolution and boost service delivery to the people at the grassroots.”

The Bill also sets budgetary ceilings for the Executive and Legislative arms of each county.

The County Public Finance Laws (Amendment) Bill, on the other hand, sponsored by Meru Senator and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, amends the Public Finance Management Act to establish a County Assembly Fund in each county. 

The fund will allow county assemblies to draw money to cover administrative expenses and acquire assets.

President William Ruto and other leaders hold copies of the two county bills following their assent into law at State Lodge, Homa Bay on August 13, 2025. [PCS]

Ruto signed the bills at Homa Bay State Lodge ahead of the official opening of this year’s Devolution Conference, which marks 12 years of devolved governance. 

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Solicitor General Shadrack Mose attended the signing.

The conference has brought together governors, legislators, and other stakeholders to discuss the successes and challenges of devolution.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the start of the conference, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko said counties are struggling with limited resources.

"We have inadequate resources, which is why we can't do some roads. In Migori alone, for instance, we need about Sh10 billion for roads.” 

Nominated Senator Catherine Muma blamed part of the problem on poor governance and corruption in some counties.