Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged governors across all 47 counties to prioritize the settlement of outstanding bills totaling Sh150.66 billion. Speaking at the 23rd Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) meeting held at his official residence in Karen on Monday, May 6, Gachagua emphasized the need to address both eligible and ‘ineligible’ pending bills to meet the satisfaction of businesses at both levels of government.
Gachagua, representing the Kenya Kwanza administration, assured timely disbursement of funds to counties. Despite a reduction of Sh8.6 billion in outstanding bills over the past nine months, reflecting a 5.4 per cent decrease, challenges in tax revenue persist.
Regarding fund disbursement to counties, Gachagua disclosed that 66.5 per cent of the total allocation has been disbursed despite tax revenue challenges. Additionally, he highlighted the escalating threat of climate change, citing recent disasters such as prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall leading to flooding.
The ongoing rains have adversely affected over 30 districts, resulting in more than 210 casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Disaster response budgeting is a crucial agenda item as the nation grapples with the consequences of natural calamities.
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