Governors have strongly protested a move by Treasury to slash county allocation for 2024-25 financial year by Sh5 billion in its plan to maneuver cash flow challenges.
Through the council of governors, the county bosses has termed the move as unconstitutional and against the spirit of devolution.
"This proposal does not only undermine the spirit of devolution, it's also unconstitutional," COG chairperson Anne Waiguru said.According to Waiguru, the constitution provides that the county governments do not suffer in the event of cash flow challenges by the Kenya revenue authority.
The county chiefs spoke a day after Treasury revealed intentions to cut the budget by about Sh200 billion.
The budget cuts has also affected three arms of government including the ministries, departments and agencies.
Treasury was also expected to announce additional measures to bridge a further Sh21 billion budget shortfall.
Parliament allocated the devolved units Sh400 billion in the next fiscal year.
In addition, the COG are demanding that the Treasury releases sh63.6 billion pending disbursement for the months of May and June.
Waiguru stated that operations in the counties have been affected with most devolved units unable to pay salaries for their staff.
"Many counties are unable to pay salaries.we are alsong the Treasury to release tye money," she said.Waiguru addressed a press conference at the Council’s Delta House offices in Nairobi on Friday.
The Kirinyaga Govenor was flanked by Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Fatuma Achani (Kwale) and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) and COG CEO Mary Mwiti.
