NAIROBI — A fresh budget row is brewing in Kenya’s Senate, with lawmakers pushing for a substantial boost in funding for counties. They want the devolved units to receive Ksh 465 billion in the upcoming financial year a Ksh 60 billion jump from the current allocation.
The Senate Finance and Budget Committee made its case on Tuesday during a review of the Division of Revenue Bill, 2025. Its chair, Senator Ali Roba, said the increase is not just desirable it’s necessary.
“Counties are drowning in bills they cannot pay,” Roba said. “The costs have gone up, yet the support from the National Treasury hasn’t kept pace.”
The call for more cash comes as counties face mounting expenses from statutory deductions, including a controversial housing levy and higher National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions. Senators argue these central policies, while mandated, are draining local budgets.
A Budget Squeeze at the Grassroots
For many counties, the gap between income and obligations is growing. Services are stalling. Contractors are unpaid. And the public is getting restless.
“Development can’t happen when counties are stuck servicing debts,” said Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka. “We’re simply asking the national government to honour the spirit of devolution.”
The senators are also urging counties to pull their own weight. The Committee challenged governors to improve collection of local revenues, which remain underwhelming in many regions.
“We cannot continue with a culture of over-reliance,” said Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo. “But even so, we must give counties room to breathe.”
Push for Equity
The Senate’s push goes beyond numbers. It’s also about fairness.
Lawmakers are increasingly critical of what they describe as lopsided national development. Some regions, they say, are being left behind.
“Look at infrastructure, health, education it’s all skewed,” said Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei. “Counties must get the resources they need, or we’ll just be chasing equality on paper.”
The debate now moves to the National Assembly, where Treasury officials have signalled resistance. They argue the government must balance many demands including ballooning debt repayments and security spending.
Looking Ahead
The Ksh 465 billion proposal is far from a done deal. But it’s clear that senators are digging in, determined to protect devolution from what they see as financial suffocation.
“We are not begging,” Roba insisted. “We are demanding what’s right.”
As the bill moves through Parliament, the tug-of-war over Kenya’s public purse is set to intensify one that may shape not just next year’s budget, but the very future of local governance.
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