The National Assembly has approved the mediated version of the Division of Revenue Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 10 of 2025), paving the way for the disbursement of Kshs. 415 billion to county governments as equitable share for the 2025/26 Financial Year.

This allocation reflects a Kshs. 10 billion increase from the National Treasury’s earlier proposal of Kshs. 405.1 billion, marking a 4.8 percent growth, following extensive deliberations by the Mediation Committee.

While lawmakers supported the enhanced allocation, the debate was dominated by calls for greater accountability in how counties utilize public funds.

Hon. Wilberforce Oundo expressed support for the figure but raised deep concerns about the actual impact of devolution at the grassroots level.

“Let me also join my colleagues in supporting the allocation of Kshs. 415 billion to the counties—with a lot of reservations,” he said. “The intention of devolution was to indeed have successful development in all parts of this country. As we stand today, many of the places in this country have not seen or appreciated the effects or impact of devolution.”

He added that while a few individuals have grown wealthy through county resources, ordinary citizens continue to suffer.

“Yes, there are a few billionaires that have been created in the counties, but many other people are wallowing in poverty, depression and in many challenges. Medical is a very major issue. We request that as we move forward, we call upon the Senate—they are the biggest letdown on issues of devolution.”

Hon. Sylvanus Osoro criticized county leadership for extravagance and misuse of resources.He advocated for structural reforms to strengthen oversight and empower ward-level representation.

“We need to empower the county assemblies. It’s about time we rethink how we can empower them—perhaps through Ward Development Funds. Otherwise, we are enriching one person who becomes a demigod. If you disagree with them, they mess up your life. It’s becoming very sad.”

Hon. Martha Wangari, while emphasizing the importance of financial support to counties, called for prioritization of primary healthcare services.

“What county governments should do are three simple things—ensure that dispensaries and health centres have a doctor or clinical officer and have medicine,” she said. “Because even as we legislate for SHA [Social Health Authority] to work, it will not work if the primary healthcare facilities are not working.”

The passage of the mediated Division of Revenue Bill brings counties closer to receiving funds for the upcoming fiscal year, but the debate in the House underlined the urgency of aligning financial allocations with measurable development outcomes.

The Bill now awaits assent by the President