The Senate Committee on Finance and Budget has been put to task to explain why about Ksh48.5 billion of county funds is lying dormant at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

This is after nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri sought a statement from the committee following a report by the National Treasury that revealed the County Revenue Fund (CRF) account at CBK held a huge amount of unspent county funds.

In her request, Okenyuri also sought a report on the amount held in the recurrent accounts for counties as of January 2025, indicating the amount meant for each county.

She further urged the committee to state the economic implications brought on by the failure of the said counties to absorb the funds, given that most of them are earmarked for development.

Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri speaking in the Senate on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

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Parliament

This development comes even as several counties continue to grapple with financial struggles. For some, staff have had to endure salary delays.

Deputy Senate Speaker Kathuri Murungi acknowledged Okenyuri's request but also advised her to seek clearer statements from the Treasury CS.

"Thank you, Senator Okenyuri. That’s a brilliant idea, and I wish this could also be addressed through a question to the Treasury CS, as you might get answers faster than through our statements," he said.

"So, in my wisdom, I request that you do that, as Senators must be interested in knowing the amount being spent in their counties. There are many challenges in the counties we represent, and I believe that is part of our responsibility as Senators."

According to the latest report from the National Treasury, dormant funds in the CRF account have increased by Ksh6 billion since October 2024.

Included in the Ksh48.5 billion is Ksh1.9 billion in the recurrent account, which remains untouched.

Kisii and Nakuru Counties have the highest amount of unspent funds, with Kisii holding Ksh3.46 billion in the CRF account. Only about Ksh6.8 million is in the county's development fund.

Nakuru County on the other hand has about Ksh2.78 billion in its CRF account, waiting to be spent.

Other counties recording over Ksh900,000 in the CRF are; Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Baringo, Kakamega, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kitui, Kwale, Mandera, Meru, Narok, Nyeri, Turkana, and Wajir.

A wide-angle picture of the Senate during the impeachment hearing against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wednesday, October 16.

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Senate