C.S for National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbandi….Photo/Courtesy.
By Mwibanda
The delays in transferring funds to counties have once again highlighted inefficiencies in governance.
As counties struggle to meet financial obligations and maintain service delivery, finger-pointing among key offices raises more questions than answers. Who really bears the blame for this persistent issue?
Treasury CS: Shifting Responsibility?
The Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) has denied responsibility, instead pointing to inefficiencies within the Controller of Budget’s (CoB) office.
According to the CS, the process of approving and releasing funds faces bottlenecks beyond the Treasury’s control.
While the Treasury oversees the allocation and budgeting of funds, the CoB authorizes withdrawals and ensures adherence to fiscal regulations.
By deflecting blame, the CS underscores a systemic issue: the interdependence of key institutions in managing public finances.
However, this defense has not resonated with stakeholders, who argue that the Treasury plays a pivotal role in addressing delays and should collaborate to resolve the bottlenecks instead of passing the buck.
John Mbadi: The Division of Revenue Bill Debate.
John Mbadi, a seasoned politician and public finance expert, has attributed the month-long delay to the pending Division of Revenue Allocation Bill.
This critical legislation determines how national revenue is divided between the national and county governments.
Without its passage, counties cannot receive their legally mandated allocations.
The delay in the bill’s approval points to broader governance challenges, including political wrangling, sluggish legislative processes, and prioritization issues within Parliament.
Mbadi’s argument highlights the interconnected nature of governance and how a single delay can disrupt the financial chain, leaving counties in limbo.
The Controller of Budget’s Predicament.
The Controller of Budget’s office is tasked with enforcing strict controls over public spending to ensure accountability.
While this role is crucial for transparency, critics argue that bureaucratic inefficiencies and stringent procedures contribute to delays.
The CoB must scrutinize every transaction before approving disbursements, which, while vital for transparency, can slow urgent cash transfers.
The CoB’s office has defended itself, citing gaps in documentation from counties and delayed submissions by the Treasury as key factors prolonging the approval process.
This dynamic points to a vicious cycle of blame between institutions, with no clear resolution in sight.
Impact on Counties and Citizens.
At the center of this institutional blame game are the counties and their residents, who bear the brunt of these delays.
Counties rely on timely disbursements to pay salaries, fund development projects, and maintain essential services.
Prolonged delays lead to stalled projects, unpaid workers, and disrupted services, eroding public trust in both local and national governments.
For instance, in the health sector, many counties have reported shortages of medical supplies and delayed salaries for healthcare workers.
This has led to strikes and reduced access to essential services, exacerbating challenges for citizens.
Who Is to Blame?
The ongoing cash transfer delays underscore the need for greater coordination among the Treasury, Parliament, and the Controller of Budget.
While each institution has a role to play, the passing of blame only worsens the situation.
Addressing these delays requires:
1. Streamlining bureaucratic processes to reduce inefficiencies.
2. Ensuring the timely passage of critical legislation, such as the Division of Revenue Bill.
3. Enhancing collaboration and accountability between the Treasury, CoB, and Parliament.
Ultimately, all players must recognize that their inefficiencies directly impact millions of Kenyans who rely on county services.
The blame game achieves nothing, and only collective accountability can restore public confidence in governance.
As the public grows weary of inaction, the pressure is mounting on leaders to break the cycle of blame and deliver practical solutions.
The cost of these delays—measured in stalled projects, unpaid workers, and unmet needs,demands urgent and sustained attention.
Ends.
