World Bank to inject Ksh.270B to boost development in counties

The World Bank will inject Ksh.270 billion to fund development projects in counties across the country.

Addressing the press on Thursday, the chairman of the Council of Governors (COG) Josphat Nanok said county governments have reached an agreement with the bank which will fund a plethora of projects in the counties.

“The World Bank will pump in Ksh.270 billion to grow the economies of our counties. This will be instrumental in creating employment and ensuring that our economy grows at a steady rate,” said Nanok.

He confirmed that the council has endorsed the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed by the 47 county governments and the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) saying the agreement will be registered at the labour court.

The Turkana County governor further urged the Senate to fast-track division of revenue bills in future to avoid a cash crunch at the devolved units.

This is after President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday signed into law the County Allocation of Revenue Amendment Bill ending a sixth month delay in the disbursement of the funds.

“The council asks the Senate to quicken the process for counties to get their money,” said Nanok

Nanok also appealed to the national government to increase the health allocation to boost the war on cancer in counties.

He further called on his fellow county chiefs to promote peace after a divisive presidential election.

“We are past the political period. There is a need for the governors to act as instruments of peace to cool political temperatures in the country,” he said.

He added; “We will not stand by as the country is being torn apart. We have formed a committee to ensure that we move the agenda of national healing.”