Senators have thrown in the towel in their dispute with the National Assembly and agreed a proposed allocation of Sh316 billion for counties following months of a protracted stalemate over the Division of Revenue Bill.
The two houses of Parliament have been quarreling over the exact amount to be disbursed to the county governments.
Whereas the National Assembly has proposed that counties get Sh316 billion, the Senate wants them allocated Sh335 billion as proposed by the Commission for Revenue Allocation.
But addressing a press conference at Parliament building on Thursday after holding three-hour Kamukunji, the Senators led by their Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and his minority counterpart James Orengo beat a hasty retreat in its dispute with MPs and approved the funds as contained in the republished Division of Revenue Bill currently before a mediation committee of the two Houses.
The move, though painful, they said was to save counties from a pro-longed financial crisis and avert shutdown.
“…. following, a meeting held today[Thursday]. We have made the painful decision to advice our negotiators to agree on the 316.5 billion,” Murkomen said in a joint statement.
He continued, “It’s not enough, but it is progress and the Senate will live to fight another day. The Senate will not allow the entire system of devolved government that is the basic pillar of our Constitution to be brought down by schemes,”
“We take solace in the fact that sometimes to win the war, one must be prepared to yield some battles,” he added, flanked by over 25 senators.
Murkomen, who is also the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator said they will continue pursuing their court case currently before the Supreme Court.
“We will continue fighting in court. That one house cannot pass an Appropriation Bill without passing the Division of Revenue Bill.”
The senators accused the National Assembly of muzzling and plotting to kill the devolved governance system.
