The National Treasury has released detailed information on how the 47 county governments in Kenya have allocated the Sh3.5 trillion disbursed by the National Government over the past 11 years. Additionally, the Treasury confirmed that there are no outstanding arrears owed to the devolved units for the last financial year (2023/24).
In a statement signed by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, it was noted that the government cleared arrears totaling Sh30.8 billion by July 2024. The Treasury emphasized that disbursements have consistently exceeded the constitutional requirement of 15 percent of the last audited and approved accounts by Parliament.
“Except for 2019/20, 2021/22, and 2023/24, the equitable share of revenue has been fully disbursed in accordance with Article 219 of the Constitution,” Mbadi stated.
Over the past 11 years, the total annual disbursements to all county governments increased by Sh186.13 billion, representing a 95.13 percent growth.
Key Highlights:
– Nairobi County received the highest allocation, amounting to Sh173 billion over the last 11 years, reflecting an average of Sh3,581 per capita, given its population of 4,397,073.
– Turkana County, with a population of 923,976, ranked second, receiving a total of Sh123 billion.
– Kakamega County, home to 1,865,579 residents, was allocated Sh120.6 billion over the same period.
– Kiambu County, with 2,417,735 residents, received Sh113.9 billion, resulting in an annual per capita allocation of Sh4,283.
– Kilifi County garnered Sh113 billion, while Mandera County received Sh111 billion from the National Government.
– Bungoma County, with a population of 1,670,570, received Sh102.3 billion, becoming one of the counties to surpass the Sh100 billion mark since devolution began in 2013.
Additionally, other counties that received over Sh90 billion include Wajir (Sh94.1 billion), Meru (Sh93.7 billion), Machakos (Sh93.3 billion), and Kisii (Sh92.7 billion). The figures highlight the financial support directed to marginalized counties through the equalization fund as part of the government’s efforts to promote equity across the regions.
