County governments have been allocated a record Ksh415 billion in equitable share of national revenue for the financial year ending June 2026 as the national administration seeks to boost devolved services in health, agriculture, water and infrastructure.
The allocation signals a major increase aimed at empowering the forty seven counties to deliver on their mandates amid mounting public pressure for improved service delivery and economic development at the grassroots level.
The Treasury disclosed that the increased allocation marks a response to persistent lobbying by governors who have argued that previous disbursements were inadequate to meet the rising wage bill, ballooning operational costs and growing demands from citizens.
The funds are expected to be disbursed in monthly tranches subject to revenue performance by the national government. However analysts warn that past delays in transfers have undermined county operations urging Treasury to adhere strictly to the disbursement schedule.
Governors have welcomed the bump in equitable share but caution that the funds will only deliver results if backed by timely releases, fiscal discipline and accountability at the county level.
They further note that pending bills remain a major headache even with increased allocations and have appealed for support to settle historic supplier debts to unlock economic activity.
County officials say a portion of the funds will go towards upgrading hospitals, hiring medical staff, expanding rural roads and bolstering extension services to farmers.
The Council of Governors said the enhanced allocation underscores the critical role of devolution in spreading development while calling for a commitment from both levels of government to protect the devolved share from budget cuts during revenue shortfalls.
The Ksh415 billion outlay reflects rising public expectations as counties prepare to deliver better services before the next election cycle.
Written By Ian Maleve
