Governors criticised for overspending on salaries, ignoring development
The committee wants all governors to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act to ensure that public funds are used effectively.
A new report has raised concerns over excessive spending by county governments on salaries and allowances, leaving little room for development.
The County Public Accounts Committee, relying on data from the Auditor General and Controller of Budget, shows that many counties are breaching the legal wage bill threshold.
The Public Finance Management Act of 2012 states that spending on both the Executive and County Assembly should not go beyond 35% of the total county revenue.
But in counties like Kisii, Mombasa, Nyeri, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Laikipia, the wage bill is far above this limit.
Kisii County, led by Governor Simba Arati, tops the list at 60%.
Mombasa follows closely with a wage bill of 57%, while Nyeri, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Laikipia are all at 55%.
Murang’a and Homa Bay counties, under Governors Irungu Kang’ata and Gladys Wanga, respectively, have wage bills of 54% and 53%.
Other counties like Nyamira and Taita Taveta have also surpassed the 50% mark.
Counties such as Kisumu, Machakos, Kericho, and Bomet are also flagged for high wage bills.
However, a few counties; Narok, Nakuru, Kwale, Siaya, and Turkana, were found to be within the required spending limit.
According to the Moses Kajwang’-led committee, the over-allocation to salaries and allowances has left counties struggling to finance development projects.
The committee wants all governors to adhere to the Public Finance Management Act to ensure that public funds are used effectively.