Naivasha – Kenya’s governors are calling on the national government to fast-track the passage of crucial money bills, warning that delays are choking development and leaving donor-funded projects in limbo.
During a meeting in Naivasha on Wednesday, members of the Council of Governors (CoG) urged Parliament to pass the Division of Revenue Bill, County Revenue Allocation Bill, and the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill at the same time each year.
They say the current staggered approvals create a bottleneck, leaving counties stranded without access to funds earmarked for agriculture, health, and education.
“It’s impossible to plan when you don’t know when or if the money will come,” said Ahmed Abdullahi, the CoG Chair and Governor of Wajir. “We need synchronization. All key financial bills should move through Parliament concurrently.”
The criticism comes just weeks after President William Ruto signed into law the County Governments Additional Allocation Act. While the law was meant to unlock donor funds, governors say it has only added more bureaucracy, cutting counties off from essential financing.
According to Deputy CoG Chair Mutahi Kahiga, billions of shillings meant to support development across the 47 counties are stuck in the pipeline due to the delay in disbursements.
“We are watching vital programmes stall while the Treasury drags its feet,” Kahiga said. “This is not just inefficient. It’s undermining devolution.”
The Council also accused the National Treasury of colluding with MPs to delay funds, a claim the Treasury has not yet responded to. In a separate appeal, the governors urged international donors to channel their support directly through county governments, rather than via the national administration.
“Development partners should engage us at the Council,” said Abdullahi. “Counties are closer to the people. We know what is needed, and where.”
The World Bank, which funds several county-level projects in Kenya, has also voiced concern. In a recent internal briefing seen by media, the Bank warned that repeated delays risk damaging long-term donor confidence and could lead to reduced future investments.
Critics of the national government say its commitment to devolution remains more rhetoric than reality. While leaders have often praised the benefits of county governance, the CoG says actual support especially financial remains patchy.
What the governors are demanding is not new: predictable funding, fewer bureaucratic delays, and a more respectful partnership with the national government. But their latest appeal comes amid rising frustration, and with a warning the longer the delays continue, the more development grinds to a halt.
The Council is now calling for a review of how the County Governments Additional Allocations Act is implemented, and a commitment from Parliament to harmonise timelines for budget-related legislation.
“The stakes are high,” Abdullahi said. “People at the grassroots can’t wait for political games to end. They need services now.”
