Marginalised counties in Kenya are pushing for a swift resolution to the legal stalemate between the national treasury and county governments to effect the disbursement of $194 million that is constitutionally due to them.
This comes amid concerns that the management of the Equalisation Fund is attracting massive political interests, especially in the marginalised counties, where the governors and the MPs are competing as to who shall manage the funds, with the sole objective of gaining political mileage in the 2017 elections.
The counties that include Garissa, Isiolo, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Narok, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Wajir, Turkana, Taita Taveta, and West Pokot are set to spend the money on basic developments and critical services as water, health facilities and electricity.
Equalisation fund was introduced as it is believed the kitty would help the counties catch up with other counties in terms of development.
The 14 counties identified as marginalised by the 2010 Constitution are highly concerned that the 2017 electioneering mood has already geared in, yet the funds that ought to have started benefiting them lie idle due to continued misunderstandings between the national and county governments.