Railways ward representative Mr. David Arao has warned the government against a plan to reduce county allocations by between Sh15 billion and Sh18 billion in the next financial year.
On Wednesday, treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich told the Senate Finance committee that the government intends to introduce an amendment to the Division of Revenue Act, to reduce money meant for counties.He said the government is 'broke' and unable to raise much in terms of revenue.
Following Rotich’s announcement, Arao noted the National government should increase County allocations instead of proposing a reduction.
"Money cannot be reduced. The funds we are getting now are not enough, and even that money is not coming down to counties,” said Mr. Arao.
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, The MCA said that the current budget cycle comes to an end in June and up to now counties are yet to receive funds from the National government.
“You want to reduce the county allocation yet you have not disbursed the allocation you are supposed to give to counties,” he added.
His sentiment was echoed by former nominated MCA Mrs. Farida Ahmed Salim who noted that counties must be supported to work well.
"Devolution is like a baby that must be supported by being given enough food,” she said.