Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Legislators have now agreed to release Sh70.6 billion in extra allocations for the 2025/26 financial year, clearing the way for stalled county programmes to restart and easing concerns from governors over halted development plans and pending obligations.
The bench held that under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (PPAD) Act, governors are directly responsible for ensuring county purchases are lawful.
Governors argue that the order disregards devolution and duplicates responsibilities already allocated to county governments under the 2010 Constitution.
The freeze came after a January 14, 2025 circular by CoB Margaret Nyakang’o, who contended that funding bursaries for secondary and tertiary students does not fall under counties’ legal responsibilities.
Governors had turned down the ministry’s proposal for one-year funding, maintaining that absorption must be based on guaranteed resources.
Abdullahi said governors welcome any system that enhances accountability and automation in public procurement, but the current digital platform is riddled with flaws that have stalled service delivery.
Abdullahi said governors remain vulnerable because their offices lack political protection, unlike other leaders who enjoy the backing of political parties.
The decision was reached during a high-level consultative meeting on Tuesday that brought together the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors (CoG), the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The CoG chair further said gratuity payments amounting to Sh9.4 billion for contract staff must be cleared first.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the probes touch on embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, conflict of interest, and possession of unexplained wealth.
CoG Chair noted that some cannot even afford basic necessities, including fuel for official duties, and questioned why pensions exist for MPs and an impending law will grant them to MCAs, yet governors are excluded.
Through the Council of Governors, county chiefs have opposed the plan, saying it amounts to the national government dictating the systems they should use.
Olekina questioned the necessity of limiting governors to a maximum of ten years in office
CoG Chair said the audit process was initiated without engaging the affected county governments or the Council of Governors, making it ineffective and contextually disconnected.
The draft includes school gardens, trained food handlers, sanitation upgrades, and strong community engagement.
The Senate County Public Accounts Committee expressed concern over how governors are dramatically arrested and paraded at EACC headquarters, yet the cases either stall or are never concluded.