Hard truths.
The payout, commonly known as the second payment, is the highlight of the tea calendar and a lifeline for growers supplying green leaf to 77 factories under KTDA’s management.
CS Mbadi disclosed that 30 counties have already joined the platform, while another 10 are awaiting approval from the Controller of Budget.
Speaking during the devolution conference in Homa Bay, Mbadi said the arrears had risen sharply from Sh23.3 billion in recent years to over Sh103 billion, describing the situation as deeply worrying.
He explained the need for robust county executives working under the scrutiny of equally empowered county assemblies
The funds form part of a broader Sh4.2 billion plan to restore rural electrification and support maintenance of off-grid power systems.
The transfer comes after repeated criticism of the Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) for slow action.
The delays put these counties at risk of missing out on funds recently released by the National Treasury.
According to the report, counties collectively received Sh11.12 billion for bursaries and scholarships but spent only Sh9.8 billion, leaving an unspent balance of Sh1.3 billion.
The Kenya Roads (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, seeks to amend the Kenya Roads Board Act, Cap 408A, to give counties a direct share of the fund.
Nairobi County, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, accounted for Sh3.3 billion in irregularities, while Kericho County, under Governor Eric Mutai, recorded Sh1.9 billion.
A report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu shows the counties also lack logbooks for various machinery and vehicles in their possession, including tractors, tippers, rollers and motorcycles.
CS Mbadi told the Senate County Public Accounts Committee that the new arrangement will use the integrated financial management system to channel deductions to bodies such as the Kenya Revenue Authority, SACCOs...