CS Kiunjuri blames Governors over funding crisis facing counties

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has defended the National Government over claims by Governors that it has continuously delayed to disburse funds to counties for the health function.

Kiunjuri has instead said that Governors are the ones to blame for the woes facing the devolved functions for failing to follow due process to ensure the funds are disbursed on time.

The CS was speaking during the ongoing Devolution Conference at Meru National Polytechnic in Meru, where talks focused on how to improve the health sector.

The health sector has faced numerous challenges including strikes by health workers in various counties like Narok and Laikipia.

Speaking at the conference, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto noted that 90% of health services are provided at the county level with 95% of all the health workers being based at the counties.

“When we took over health care, it was in shambles. There were cries everywhere about drugs in hospitals. Some of the hospitals did not have bedding or beds. One of the counties I won’t mention  only had two health facilities. Within the first year, they ensured there were 20 working and they have been able to employ health workers. It is clear there is a marked improvement,” said Ruto.

The Bomet Governor noted that counties now have ambulance services that work.

“The most important thing now is that you can get people to hospitals.  We have ICUs in those sub county hospitals. We have increased the number of doctors. They  were 3,000 when we were taking over, now they are over 4,500.”

Ruto, however, said there is need to sort out the funding issue. 

“Free maternity funds hardly arrive and when they do, they do not conform to actual costs. Counties spend up to 10,000 shillings on delivery and the amount they get is only about 2,500,” said Ruto.