- Treasury released Sh30.99 billion to counties on June 25, just five days before the financial year closed.
- The move triggered rushed spending and sparked concern about accountability.
- Experts fear funds may be pushed into questionable projects due to pressure to use them fast.
- Critics blame poor timing and repeated delays, saying the trend is hurting devolution.
The National Treasury sent Sh30.99 billion to county governments on June 25, barely a week before the end of the financial year. Now, counties are rushing to spend the money before the financial system (IFMIS) shuts down on June 30.
With little time to plan, counties are submitting spending requests in a frenzy. Financial experts say this kind of rush often leads to misuse, with funds likely ending up in low-priority projects disguised as urgent.
While the government has now met its Sh418 billion funding target to counties for 2024–25, the way it did so has raised eyebrows. Part of the money even includes funds that had rolled over from the previous financial year.
This isn’t the first time the Treasury has dropped funds late. In 2023, Sh30 billion was released after the year had already ended. This year is only slightly better, and still out of step with the legal disbursement schedule.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had told governors on June 23 that the remaining money would be sent before June 30. True to his word, the Treasury came through—but the tight deadline still left counties scrambling.
Earlier, counties feared the money wouldn’t come at all. Now that it’s in their accounts, they’ve been left with just days to figure out how to use it—a situation that rarely supports careful budgeting or clean records.
Nairobi received the largest chunk at Sh1.61 billion, followed by Nakuru, Turkana, and Kakamega with over Sh1 billion each. Kiambu, Kilifi, Bungoma, Mandera, and Kitui also got close to Sh900 million.
Meru received Sh795 million, while Wajir, Machakos, Kisii, and Narok each got over Sh700 million. Kwale and Kisumu followed closely with Sh690 million and Sh672 million, respectively.
By law, the Treasury is supposed to send money to counties by the 15th of every month. But that’s rarely followed. These delays often leave counties in limbo, especially when trying to pay workers or deliver services.
Treasury officials often blame cash flow or competing priorities. But critics say the central government consistently prioritises its own needs while leaving counties to scramble for leftovers.
Finance experts now warn that unless this trend is fixed, the progress made under devolution could stall. They’re calling for tighter rules on timelines, better oversight, and training to help counties manage their budgets wisely.
With the year now closed, all attention turns to how counties will account for the last-minute funds, and whether oversight systems will be able to keep up with the pace
