After the promulgation of the 2010, devolution came, creating Counties, with the wards within them being headed by the Members of the County Assembly. This was with sole purpose, to bring services close to people. But has it? Have you tested and felt the devolution? Well, the latest report from the Controller of Budget has exposed the unusual appetite of these MCAs.
According to the report released by Agnes Odhiambo, County assemblies splurged Sh1 billion in committee sitting allowances in six months.
The amount spent between July-December 2018 was nearly Sh600 million more compared with the Sh422 million that was paid to MCAs in the same period last year.
Odhiambo states this in her report which exposes an unusual appetite by county legislators to spend devolution cash on recurrent needs than on growth of the regions.
At least Sh2.78 billion was set aside for allowances, a revelation which is likely to trigger a conversation on whether state officers keen to implement austerity measures as ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“This expenditure translated to 38.9 per cent of the approved budget and an increase by 156.5 per cent compared to a similar period of financial year 2017/18,” Odhiambo said.
MCAs are expected to hold a maximum of eight committee sittings a month from which they earn an average Sh14,000 for each.
According to the COB report, Baringo spent the least amount (Sh1.5 million) on allowances for the 46 MCAs against a budget of Sh30 million.
Kakamega led by spending Sh66.8 million, followed by Nairobi which paid out Sh61 million and Nakuru Sh55,677,358.
Kisii spent Sh47,411,100 while Kiambu paid out Sh46 million, Meru (Sh43 million), Bungoma (Sh35.8 million), Busia (Sh35 million), Garissa (Sh32.8 million), Migori (Sh32 million), Kilifi (Sh31 million) and Vihiga (Sh27.2 million).
The rest, save for Tharaka Nithi, Taita Taveta, Lamu, Laikipia, Kajiado, and Embu spent over Sh10 million on allowances.
The County Budget Implementation Review shows Kakamega county assembly recorded higher expenditure on committee sitting allowance.
“The county spent an average of Sh126,700, which is more than the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommended monthly ceiling of Sh124,800,” the report reads.