Senators must priotize equity in revenue sharing for counties

By Robert Mutasi 

A recent protest by a group of senators over the Commission on Revenue Allocation's (CRA) suggested revenue-sharing formula is an important turn of events. 

The senators' commitment to ensure that no county will lose funds under the new formula is a refreshing and timely gesture, particularly taking into account the numerous issues that counties still have in delivering basic services. 

While the CRA proposal considers pertinent factors in addressing county-to-county imbalances, it should not be at the cost of already established facilities and services that are vital to the public.

It is reasonable that Senator Edwin Sifuna insists that no county loses funds, particularly counties such as Nairobi that are critical to the nation's economy. 

Apart from destabilizing Nairobi's development, any move to reduce revenue sharing would impact the country's economy as a whole. 

The economic wellbeing of cities like Nairobi that accumulate a large proportion of the country's revenue cannot be risked by a new system without a justifiable reason and research.

Also notable is Senator Boni Khalwale's suspicion of altering a well-established formula. 

Though there are shortfalls in the long-standing system, it also has established mechanisms to make sure county governments receive the resources they require to operate. 

The implementation of a new formula without a thorough review of the current one fuels fears of disruption of services. 

If a system is functional, then why risk causing uncertainty and confusion?

Senator Ali Roba's call for increased funding to counties in the form of functions and roles is timely. 

Devolution in Kenya has transformed how counties can deal with important functions such as infrastructure, education, and health. 

Being the pillars of service delivery, these devolved functions require funding to facilitate counties to execute their mandates. 

By rendering the counties well-funded, we give them the power to deliver services to their people at a cost-effective level, thus pushing the nation towards growth.

Moreover, it is a fact that CRA's proposal does not touch on the mismanagement of funds by certain counties. 

Equitable and fair distribution of revenues is important, but discipline in the expenditure of funds must also be followed. 

Nevertheless, as noted by Senator Kathuri Murungi, governors and county executives—who are directly in charge of the funds—instead of the general public, must be held accountable in case of mismanagement of funds.

In all, the Senators are correct to resist the new formula in the CRA, and they must continue to challenge it so that equity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility take top priority.

 Assisting all of the counties, spurring local growth, and not allowing any county to be left behind must be the goal of the system.