𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 

The Budget and Appropriations Committee chaired by Hon. Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) met the Council of Governors (CoG) to consider the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) 2024.

Hon. Nyoro took the CoG through the current BPS which proposes to raise revenue through Ordinary Revenue and Appropriations in Aid (AiA).

He emphasized the need to address the budget deficit, standing at 5.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He highlighted the importance of re-evaluating expenditure strategies to alleviate the burden of the national debt.

The CoG, led by Vice Chairperson Gov. CPA Ahmed Abdulahi (Wajir) raised key issues affecting the county governments, among them resource allocation for devolved functions, revenue sharing mechanisms, healthcare provision and education enhancement.

The CoG expressed concern with the lack of allocation for the Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) function despite the Salaries & Remuneration Commission (SRC) raising the minimum wage for ECDE teachers.

The COG also raised concern about the struggling health sector citing challenges in equipping and maintaining health equipment in county hospitals, a matter that they said has been under the purview of the National Government for seven years.

Furthermore, the Governors emphasized the importance of adequate funding for counties to effectively deliver services and spur development at the grassroots level.

In response, the Committee acknowledged the concerns raised by the Governors and other stakeholders and pledged to consider them as they write their report for tabling before the House.

Before meeting the CoG, the Committee had held discussions with the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KNFF), the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KPSA).

Hon. CPA Abdulahi was in the company of Hon. Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Gov. Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Gov. Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) and Gov. Stephen Sang (Nandi).