The Council of Governors (CoG) has once again expressed concern over the ongoing delays in the disbursement of funds to county governments, warning that the issue is severely undermining service delivery and threatening the very foundation of devolution.

Speaking during a consultative meeting in Naivasha, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, who chairs the CoG Finance Committee, lamented the late release of funds from the national government, noting that the situation is crippling operations at the county level.

Governor Barasa urged the Office of the Controller of Budget to expedite the automation of budget approval systems, stressing that digital integration could significantly reduce bureaucracy and enhance the efficiency of fund flows to the counties.

His concerns were echoed by CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, who pointed out that counties are grappling with financial challenges and accumulating debts due to delayed fiscal transfers.

Prominent legal expert Mutakha Kangu, who was also present at the meeting, called for constitutional amendments to address the persistent funding delays and secure predictable, timely financing for county governments.

The meeting brought together members of the CoG Finance Committee and representatives from the Office of the Controller of Budget, with the aim of developing practical solutions to the recurrent fiscal constraints.

The governors further emphasized the need for collaborative action from all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of devolution and ensure that counties are empowered to deliver services efficiently and without disruption.