The National Treasury has distributed more than Sh286 billion in fair share distribution to counties in this fiscal year.
During the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting hosted by Deputy President William Ruto at his Karen residence today, Treasury said the pending amount of Sh85 billion was being fast-tracked for payment.
Ruto stated that there was an urgent need to address the issue of pending bills by counties as 60 percent of them constitute pensions.
“The Devolution ministry will convene a meeting with stakeholders to discuss this problematic issue with a view to resolving it and eliminating unnecessary penalties,” he said.
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, who was present at the conference, stated that prompt disbursement of cash would improve county service delivery.
Nanok, Principal Secretary Devolution Julius Korir, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, National Treasury, Ministry of Devolution, and County Executive Committee members were in attendance.
“We have partnered with the United Nations Capital Development Fund to enhance counties’ generation of own revenues that will also help them tackle the issue of pending bills,” said Nyakang’o.
Own Source Revenue, according to the Controller of Budget, is a huge piece with the ability to unlock counties’ economic potential.