The Council of Governors (CoG) has expressed concern over the allocation of funds to county governments by the national government, citing inequity in the distribution of resources.
CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdillahi, who also serves as the Governor of Wajir, noted that counties receive only 10 percent of the total national budget, while the remaining 90 percent is retained by the national government.
“We offer many critical services at the county level, yet the resources allocated to us are minimal,” Abdillahi said.
He stated that last year, county governments received sh.387 billion, while this year the allocation has risen slightly to sh.405 billion—an amount he still considers insufficient.
Abdillahi also emphasized the importance of investing in civic education at the county level, saying this would help Kenyans better understand and appreciate the goals of devolution.
“Resources must align with functions; counties are not profit centers, so the question of financial viability should not arise,” he said.
He commended the efforts made by counties in strengthening devolution, but pointed out that systemic challenges continue to hinder progress.
“I believe counties have made significant strides, but the real issue lies in structural barriers that have derailed the full realization of devolution,” he added.
The governor concluded by calling for fairness and equity in the allocation of national resources to counties.