How Equalisation funds for poor counties will be divided

Turkana County is set to get the largest share of the Equalisation Fund in a Bill assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.

The county led by Governor Josphat Nanok will get Ksh. 1.050 billion.

It will be followed by Mandera County at Ksh. 967.6 million and Wajir County which will receive Ksh. 929.8 million.

Other counties are as follows: Marsabit (Ksh. 886.2 million), Samburu (Ksh. 869.7 million) and Tana River Ksh. 859 million).

Out of a total of 47 counties, 14 have been categorized as marginalised and will share Ksh. 11.98 billion.

The Equalisation Fund seeks to improve healthcare, water services, education, roads and electricity distribution in the northern Kenya counties.

President Uhuru Kenyatta assented to the Bill on Friday alongside two others; the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2018 ) and the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2017.

Orengo at State House

The Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi and Leader of Majority Aden Duale witnessed the signing of the Bills.

Also present was Siaya Senator James Orengo — Senate Minority Leader — who was visiting State House for the first time in more than five years.

A statement from PSCU said the move exemplified the reconciliatory spirit of the Uhuru-Raila ‘handshake’.

Through the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (2018), President Kenyatta allowed an expenditure of Sh 87 billion for various services for the financial year ending June 30, 2018.

These services include the development of the blue economy, policing, population management, correctional and devolution services in addition to accelerated development in ASAL regions.

The other services include Foreign Relations and Diplomacy services, education including its quality assurance, technical vocational education and youth training and development among other varied services across the country.

Agriculture, health and housing have been apportioned the highest amount, complimenting the government’s Big Four Agenda.

Nominate SRC Chairperson

The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) makes several amendments to various Bills including the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the Pensions and the Pharmacy and Poisons Law.

The amendments in the SRC law seek to have commissioners of the entity engaged on a full time basis. Additionally the Bill also allows the President to nominate the chairperson of the commission.