Erratic cash releases from the Treasury, low revenue collection, massive wastage and wanton graft have condemned county governments to perpetual penury.
Since the inception of devolution in 2013, the counties have bemoaned a cash crunch and governors frequently threaten to shut down services.
Often, the county chiefs have blamed the National Treasury for the late exchequer releases – frequently piling up for months – triggering service disruptions in the counties.
Last week, the Council of Governors threatened to halt crucial services including health care, due to a prolonged delay by the Treasury to release funds.
The counties had not received funds for a record three months, causing stalled services in nearly all the 47 county governments.
“We demand the National Treasury immediately releases the funds owed to counties, failing which, county governments will have no choice but to shut down operations completely,” CoG chairman Ahmed Abdullahi said.
by Hillary Bett