Disagreements between members of the National Assembly and the Senate have underscored divergent views on the prioritization of budgetary allocations, with some advocating for a focus on national infrastructure while others champion the importance of devolved governance and increased funding for counties.
In a recent session, Member of Parliament Ichung'wa raised concerns about diverting funds from national projects to county governors, cautioning that such a move might not yield the desired outcomes.
"The principle remains that if we give something, something else must give way. If we allocate funds for road maintenance, diverting these funds to county governors under the assumption that they will undertake similar projects raises questions about efficiency and accountability," Ichung'wa remarked.
Contrary to Ichung'wa's stance, Minority Whip Junet Mohamed voiced support for the Senate's amendments, citing the transformative impact of devolution on local governance and service delivery.
"Devolution has proven to be a game-changer and equalizer in the country. The only funds that Kenyans truly enjoy are those allocated to counties," Mohamed asserted.
The contrasting viewpoints reflect broader debates within Kenya's political landscape regarding the balance between centralized development projects and decentralized governance through county administrations.
Kenyan Parliament Divided Over Budget Allocation Between National and County Projects