Kilifi Governor Faults National Government for Delays in County Funds Disbursement
KILIFI, Kenya – Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has accused the national government of consistently delaying the release of county funds, saying the financial setbacks are crippling development projects and disrupting essential services across the region. Speaking during a public forum in Kilifi Town, the governor said his administration has been forced to suspend or slow down key programs due to cash flow challenges that arise whenever national allocations arrive late.
According to Governor Mung’aro, departments such as health, water, and education have been the hardest hit, with hospitals facing drug shortages, stalled borehole projects, and delayed bursary disbursements to needy students. He further noted that contractors working on major infrastructure upgrades have threatened to withdraw services over unpaid bills. The governor argued that the situation has eroded public confidence in county operations, even though, he insisted, the delays are entirely beyond the county’s control. His remarks come at a time when several counties nationwide have raised similar concerns, pointing to a growing strain in intergovernmental fiscal relations.
The tensions over late disbursements have also sparked political debate within Kilifi’s leadership circles. Some Members of the County Assembly claim the delays have worsened ongoing budget disputes and fuelled mistrust between the executive and oversight teams. Activists and civil society groups in the coastal region have also criticized both levels of government, urging them to put residents’ welfare above political differences. They argue that prolonged financial uncertainty risks derailing the county’s development agenda and worsening economic hardship in an area already grappling with unemployment and slow economic recovery.
Looking ahead, Governor Mung’aro called for a more predictable and transparent disbursement schedule from the National Treasury, warning that without timely funding, counties may be unable to meet constitutional obligations. He urged the national government to prioritize counties in budget planning and emphasized the importance of strengthening intergovernmental dialogue. As Kilifi awaits the next tranche of funds, residents remain hopeful that both levels of government will find a lasting solution to avoid future disruptions.