Counties cry foul as MPs slash Sh60 billion in proposed funding

A deepening political clash has erupted following the National Assembly’s decision to cut Sh60 billion from the proposed county government allocation for the next financial year.

Governors and senators have expressed their outrage over the move, accusing MPs of deliberately choking county governments’ ability to perform essential services.

The National Assembly approved the Division of Revenue Bill, 2025, which allocated Sh405.06 billion to counties, a figure that falls short of the Sh465 billion recommended by the Senate.

The cut has sparked a fierce backlash from county leaders, who argue that reducing county budgets will hinder their capacity to deliver on the devolution promise.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua voiced strong opposition to the MPs’ decision, calling it a clear threat to the success of devolution.

"The biggest threat to devolution is the National Assembly. The second biggest threat to devolution is the governors willing to play ball for cheap personal gains," he said.

Wambua emphasized that the move would leave counties unable to fulfill their constitutional duties, creating a financial crisis for county governments.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr also expressed frustration, pointing to the influence of the national executive over Parliament’s budget decisions.

"Everything stems from the national executive. The national executive sends the draft division of revenue to Parliament. They are engaged throughout, and the President has the final say on the Bill. As governors, we don’t have that latitude," Mutula remarked.

His statement echoed growing concerns that MPs are using their power to redirect funds from counties to the national government, undermining the success of devolution.

The reduction in county allocations comes amidst other budgetary challenges, including ongoing revenue shortfalls and the need to service the country’s growing public debt.

MPs have argued that the cut is necessary to address these fiscal pressures. The Budget and Appropriations Committee explained, "The lower ordinary revenue collection continues to impact the allocation to county governments. This situation is further complicated by high public debt service expenditures."

While the National Assembly stands firm on its decision, the Senate has rejected the proposal, demanding that counties receive the full Sh465 billion.

Senators have also questioned the rationale behind the cut, arguing that MPs are prioritizing the national government over the counties that are constitutionally required to deliver public services.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale criticized the National Assembly’s stance, urging MPs to support enhanced county allocations.

"Why would a member of the National Assembly not support that money going to the county where he comes from, and yet all counties are benefiting?" Khalwale asked.

His comments were echoed by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who warned that such reductions set a dangerous precedent for the future of devolution in Kenya.

"The trend of cutting county allocations is a clear indication that some are trying to kill devolution," Osotsi said.

As the political standoff continues, governors and senators remain united in their call for a reversal of the Sh60 billion cut.

The fate of devolution now hangs in the balance as both houses of Parliament prepare for a showdown.