lowereas
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget has adopted its report on the Division of Revenue Bill for the 2026/2027 financial year, proposing a higher allocation to counties in a move strongly backed by nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda.
Mutinda, a UDA-nominated senator and Nairobi County’s incoming Woman Representative, emerged as a key voice in the deliberations, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard devolution through increased and predictable funding.
The Committee recommended an equitable share of Ksh454 billion to counties significantly higher than the Ksh420 billion proposed by the National Assembly arguing that the increase is necessary to sustain devolved functions amid rising operational costs.
Speaking during the session, Mutinda underscored the financial strain counties face due to delayed disbursements and shrinking resources, warning that essential services at the grassroots level remain at risk without adequate funding.
Senators further raised concerns over a Ksh115.3 billion revenue shortfall recorded by December 2025, terming current projections overly optimistic. They also pointed to the growing burden of public debt, which now consumes nearly 48.5% of ordinary revenue, limiting funds available for service delivery.
Mutinda maintained that the county equitable share is a constitutional entitlement, stressing that it must not be treated as a residual allocation after national obligations are met.
The Committee, chaired by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, is expected to table the report before the Senate plenary for debate and approval.
The move signals a renewed push within the Senate to defend devolution and ensure counties receive adequate resources to effectively serve wananchi.
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