Waiguru Warns of Service Delivery Crisis as Counties Face Budget Cuts

By Robert Mutasi 

Anne Waiguru, Governor of Kirinyaga County and Chairman of the Council of Governors (CoG), has raised fears about the financial crisis affecting Kenyan counties due to the reduction of funds allocated to the counties.

Speaking on behalf of the Council of Governors, Waiguru emphasized the challenges that the counties will face following the government's decision to reduce the county allocation by Ksh 5 billion.

This reduction comes in the wake of the 2024 Finance Bill, which was not approved by President William Ruto due to strong public pressure, especially from Generation Z.

The group was at the forefront of protests against the bill, which they claimed placed a financial burden on Kenyans.

The Finance Bill 2023 had also been struck down by the courts, leaving the government to rely on the Finance Bill 2022, which has become obsolete.

Waiguru explained that the reduced allocation will leave the county with Ksh 380 billion from Ksh 400 billion, less than what they had in the last financial year. 

She pointed out that these cuts will greatly affect the county's ability to provide essential services, especially in health and infrastructure.

"Cutting funds will create a big problem of disparity in the counties. Many counties will fail to fulfill their promises to the citizens. For example, the budget for medical equipment has been reduced, meaning that access to medicine will be difficult," she said. 

She also warned that the ongoing salary increase for doctors, which was implemented following the recent strike, will affect county budgets further.

Health care, one of the country's most important sectors, is expected to bear the brunt of these cuts.

Waiguru expressed her concern that many counties will struggle to maintain adequate stock of medicines and health supplies.

Additionally, she noted that funding shortfalls could force the county to make difficult decisions about staffing, especially in light of the salary increases agreed upon for doctors and other health professionals.

Waiguru called on the national government to reconsider the proposed budget cuts, stressing that the delivery of public services should not be affected.

"We cannot afford to reduce essential services at a time when people need them most. The health and well-being of our citizens must remain a priority," she added.

The CoG is expected to collaborate with the national government in further discussions to find a resolution that will ensure that the counties can function properly without affecting the quality of services provided to the public.