Governors challenge proposed county share as service costs rise

Governors are demanding at least Sh500 billion in equitable revenue for 2027/28, arguing that county allocations must reflect rising employment costs and the obligations of devolved services.

Council of Governors chairperson Muthomi Njuki challenged a proposed Sh440.84 billion allocation during a meeting with the Commission on Revenue Allocation in Nairobi on 14 October. Governors cited salary adjustments, health-worker agreements and the absorption of Universal Health Coverage staff.

CRA chairperson Mary Chebukati defended the proposal, saying it used the latest audited and approved national accounts available and exceeded the constitutional minimum. The governors disputed whether that calculation adequately reflected current revenue and service costs.

The competing positions are proposals in the revenue-sharing process. Neither the governors’ demand nor the commission’s recommendation establishes the final allocation that Parliament will enact.