CoG Chair Ahmed Abdulahi Decries Low Budget Allocation to Counties at Mombasa Conference

Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson Ahmed Abdulahi has raised concern over the limited budget allocation to counties, accusing the national government of frustrating the spirit of devolution. Speaking at the Institute of Certified Secretaries conference in Mombasa on Thursday, Abdulahi lamented that counties only receive 10% of the national budget, despite being tasked with numerous responsibilities.

Image: Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdulhi

“The counties only get 10% of the 4 trillion budget passed in Parliament,” said Abdulahi. “Yet we are expected to deliver on development with this meagre allocation. Running counties has become a serious challenge.” 

Highlighting the strides counties have made despite financial constraints, Abdulahi cited the establishment of Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs. “ECD was not even existing, but counties have managed to deliver,” he noted, emphasizing that counties have achieved what is possible given the little they receive.

He criticized the structure of revenue distribution, stating that the country borrowed systems from other nations without considering whether they would work in Kenya. “There are systems in the constitution that we took from other states, thinking they worked well for them and would do the same for us — like how we divide revenue. But the system is rigged to frustrate devolution,” he said.

Abdulahi did not mince words when referring to the role of the National Assembly. “The National Assembly has been sabotaging the functions of counties. CDF is illegal, but the President will never tell the MPs that,” he asserted.

He further lamented the political vulnerability of governors, referring to the impeachment of former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza. “The most insecure position is the Governor’s position. If you want to know, ask Kawira — she was impeached before she even formed her cabinet. What crime could she have done?” he posed.

Touching on the country’s fiscal health, Abdulahi blamed poor debt management since 2013 for the current financial challenges. “The nation has been taking debts irresponsibly to the point where we can’t run a country without borrowing,” he said.

He, however, commended the efforts of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. “He has really tried. We used to be delayed for four months to pay salaries — now it's two months, though we want him to do more,” said Abdulahi.

On the matter of pending bills, Abdulahi admitted mismanagement at both the national and county levels. “We are accused of spending money that we didn’t even have. Budget delays force counties to divert funds once disbursed, leading to accumulation of bills.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo echoed Abdulahi’s concerns, saying he has faced criticism for lacking development in his county. “They ask me about development in Siaya, I ask them — from which money?” Orengo said, alluding to political threats of impeachment for his perceived lack of support for the national government.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi also weighed in on the suggestion to reduce the number of counties. “It’s a conversation we are willing to have, but the problem is not the 47 counties,” he said. “We receive 10% of the budget. Out of that, 50% goes to salaries, another portion to the County Assembly, and the remainder is what we use for development — which they sing to us about.”

However, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o pointed fingers back at counties for budget miscalculations. “Counties fall into debt when they overestimate their budgets,” she said, urging for more prudent financial planning.

The conference spotlighted the ongoing tension between the national and county governments over funding, with governors demanding a more equitable share to ensure effective service delivery and the true realization of devolution.