Raila Endorses Population-Driven County Revenue-Sharing Formula Amid Stalemate

ODM leader Raila Odinga has thrown his support behind the contentious population-driven county revenue-sharing formula.

Odinga in a statement on Monday urged Senators to end the standoff on the matter by approving the formula recommended by the Commission for Revenue Allocation (CRA).

“The Senate should now allow the country to move forward by adopting the CRA report while using the concerns voiced for future recommendations on revenue sharing,” Raila stated.

“In order to avoid a similar stand-off next time, the concerns currently arising should be forwarded to the CRA for consideration in its future recommendation.”

Senators have failed to agree on the proposed revenue-sharing formula after five attempts with the next set for Tuesday. If passed, the formula will see the allocation of 18 counties reduced while 29 will get extra funds.

Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Kiambu counties would be the biggest beneficiaries if the formula is adopted with each getting an extra allocation of between Sh986 million and Sh1.4 billion.

Other winners would be Bungoma, Kirinyaga, West Pokot, Baringo, Bomet, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Meru and Laikipia.

Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River, and Garissa counties would be the biggest losers should the formula sail through during Tuesday’s session. Other counties that would suffer reduced allocation are Mombasa, Kwale, Narok, Isiolo, Kilifi, Turkana, Nyamira, Taita Taveta, Tharaka Nithi, Vihiga, Makueni, Samburu, and Kitui. 

“Under the circumstances, the country and our people would better be served if we adopted the recommendation of the CRA for the next five years,” added Odinga.

Ending the standoff will allow the country to focus on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Raila.

“…The resources currently being recommended can adequately serve our counties if we eliminate corruption in addition to heavily punishing those perpetuating the vice both at the national and county levels. Luckily, the war on corruption is yielding fruits and should safeguard public finances.”