The National Assembly Friday approved the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 2 of 2025), unlocking billions of shillings in conditional and unconditional grants for county governments in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The Bill allows for the transfer of extra funds from the national government and development partners to supplement allocations provided through the Division of Revenue Act.
These funds include conditional allocations for specific county projects, unconditional allocations from sources such as court fines, and grants from international partners.
A key allocation in the Bill is the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) initiative, which will ensure stipends for healthcare workers essential to the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
Lawmakers also approved Sh1.759 billion to settle salary arrears owed to county health workers.
Moiben MP Phyllis Bartoo expressed concern over delays in paying CHPs, who play a crucial role in registering residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and educating them on health programs.
“They are supposed to receive a small monthly stipend of Sh5,000, which is already inadequate, yet they have not been paid. There is no money in our counties, yet we keep assigning them more work. If SHA is to function properly, this money must be released to counties without delay,” she said.
Additionally, revenue collected from court fines on county violations will be shared with county governments as unconditional allocations.
Supporting the Bill, Baringo County Woman Representative Jematiah Sergon emphasized that the funds would help counties meet their financial obligations, pay workers, and support key development projects.
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo raised concerns over the timing of the allocations, noting that with only three months left in the financial year, counties may struggle to absorb the funds in time. “This unnecessary delay has cost counties billions in lost opportunities,” he observed.
The Bill also provides funding for County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), with each of the 19 selected counties set to receive Ksh105.3 million to develop industrial parks aimed at boosting local manufacturing and agribusiness.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya highlighted the significance of the CAIPs program, which seeks to establish county-based manufacturing hubs.
“Every county must have an industrial park to support economic growth. These additional funds will ensure CAIPs are completed, creating jobs and strengthening local industries,” he said.
Leader of the Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wah emphasized that the conditional allocations, including those for CAIPs, are crucial for county development.
He pointed out that 11 counties had previously benefited from conditional grants to help them construct and complete county headquarters, demonstrating the impact of such funding.
Despite welcoming the additional funds, lawmakers cautioned governors against mismanaging the allocations.
Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi urged county leaders to ensure that the funds are used effectively.
“We hope governors will be serious and ensure that funds are not lost through corruption. These resources must directly benefit the people,” he said.
With the Bill now passed by the National Assembly, it moves to the Senate for consideration. If enacted, it will inject billions into counties, improving healthcare, infrastructure, and industrialization efforts across the country.
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