Written By Lisa Murimi
Leaders from Kenya’s North Eastern region have voiced strong opposition to a new revenue-sharing formula proposed by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), warning it could deepen marginalization in arid and semi-arid counties.
The formula, which emphasizes population by assigning it a weight of 42%, has sparked fears of reduced funding for sparsely populated regions.
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow described the proposal as discriminatory, stating, “This undermines the spirit of devolution. Landmass and historical marginalization must also be considered.”
Mandera South MP Abdul Haro echoed Kerrow’s sentiments, urging a formula that accounts for factors like geographical size.
“A population-centric formula risks further marginalizing regions already disadvantaged since independence,” he said.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana called the formula “an attempt at economic segregation,” criticizing its potential impact on arid counties such as Turkana, Mandera, and Garissa.
CRA chairperson Mary Chebukati defended the proposal, noting measures to prevent reduced allocations, including raising the total county allocation to Sh417.42 billion.
“No county will receive less than its current allocation,” she assured.
Despite this, leaders from less populous counties argue that relying heavily on population prioritizes already-developed regions and perpetuates inequity.
The debate now moves to Parliament, where approval is required for implementation in the 2025-26 financial year.
