Treasury urged to release Ksh66B owed to County Governments – The Informer

The Council of Governors has called on Treasury to quicken the release funds to Counties to enable them enhance measures against Covid-19.

In a statement, CoG Chairperson Governor Martin Nyaga Wambora says, the current outstanding amount owed to Counties by the National Government stands at Ksh 66 billion.

“Disbursement of County Equitable Share of revenue as on Monday, May 10, 2021, the National Treasury disbursed a total of Ksh.4.6 Billion to County Governments,” said Wambora.

Wambora stated that the disbursement of funds to Counties remains a challenge saying as at Monday, Treasury had only released Ksh4.6 billion to County Governments.

According to Wambora, Nairobi County is owed Ksh2.6 billion for the month of December and January while another 22 Counties are owed accumulative Ksh1 billion for the month of February.

Additionally, Ksh25 billion is owed to the 47 Counties for the month of March as well another Ksh28 billion for the month of April.

On the new measures to combat the spread of the Covid-19,  he said that they have built additional classrooms in collaboration with learning institutions to ensure proper social distancing and safe movement between learners, trainees, teachers, and instructors in classrooms and workshops.

1.1 million facemasks were distributed to learners and trainees in public ECDE Centers and Vocational Training Centers, as well as the installation of 9,431 portable hand washing stations with soap and water in strategic locations throughout learning institutions.

Further, common areas and learning stations are frequently fumigated to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

He revealed that 917, 068 people have received the Covid-19 vaccine dose, among them Healthcare workers, Teachers as well those in the security sector.

Wambora urged Kenyans to remain cautious saying the Indian variant of Coronavirus which is now in our borders means Kenyans must adhere to the protective measures without compromise.

He said in the last one week, 30 Counties have addressed various critical issues related to the virus.

“Isolation beds have increased by 313 after some patients recovered from the disease, while ICU and HDU beds have increased by 78 and 22 respectively,” he said.

Wambora has also urged the Government not to recall unused vaccines from Kwale, Samburu, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Tana River and Lamu saying the Counties will manage to utilize the vaccines before the end of their shelf life.

He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite provisions of testing kits to enable Counties to upscale testing at border points.

Wambora said public transport continues to be a serious challenge in the prevention of the spread of the virus.

“County Governments have continued to enforce measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus. In light of the reopening of schools we urge the matatu sector to ensure adherence of the strict limit on the number of passengers aboard in PSVs,” he said.