Editor's Review

DP Gachagua assured governors that the government is committed to hastening the disbursement of funds to counties. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has President appealed to the governors to put more effort to clear the pending bills to rejuvenate the economy.

Speaking on Monday,  August 26 during the 24th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council, Gachagua urged county bosses to work with the Controller of Budget to implement recommended measures to effectively address matters through the budgetary processes.

“The National Treasury indicates that as of June 30, 2024, outstanding National Government pending bills stands at Sh516 billion, a decrease from Sh622.82 billion as of June 30, 2023.

"Initial comparative reports for 26 counties show a significant reduction from 43.6 Billion Shillings to 33.9 Billion Shillings as of June 2024,” said Gachagua.

At the same time, the Deputy President assured governors that the government is committed to hastening the disbursement of allocated funds to counties despite the prevailing financial challenges.

Gachagua pointed out that allocations for the last financial year had been fully disbursed, revealing that the National Treasury is working on clearing the pending monthly allocations.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa speaking during the IBEC meeting. 

“During the last financial year (2023/24), The National Treasury transferred Sh354.5 billion to counties by June 30, 2024, an equivalent of 92% of the total equitable share due to counties. The outstanding amount of Sh30.83 billion for June was released in July,” said the DP.

During the meeting, it was also resolved that adjustments be made to the budgets for this financial year following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

On the equal sharing of revenue from national parks, Gachagua said progress is being made to address the issue quickly as directed by President William Ruto.

The DP said the Ministry of Tourism has established a technical team of relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap.

“The team has made significant recommendations, including proposing that the matter be handled by the CRA, in line with its Constitutional mandate on revenue distribution,” he stated.

The DP further urged the county governments to continue supporting the fight against drugs and illicit drinks.