Title: COG Demands Sh536 Billion for Counties as Barasa Urges State to Honour Devolution Pact
The Council of Governors (COG) has renewed calls for increased funding to county governments, pushing for at least Sh536 billion to be allocated in the 2025/2026 financial year. Speaking in Kakamega, COG Finance Committee Chair and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the proposed figure is achievable, especially after the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which committed the national government to strengthening devolution and raising county allocations to no less than Sh450 billion.
Governor Barasa emphasised that the spirit of the agreement must now translate into action as budget preparations begin. He urged President Ruto to uphold the commitments made, noting that counties require adequate funding to fulfil their mandates and complete ongoing projects. Addressing officials during the swearing-in of the County Public Service Board at Bukhungu Stadium, Barasa also applauded the Senate for consistently advocating for increased county funding. He noted the importance of covering mandatory expenditures such as the Social Health Authority deductions, the Housing Levy, and adjustments linked to national revenue growth, which alone account for more than Sh21 billion.
Barasa further assured Kakamega residents of his administration’s commitment to fast-tracking stalled and new projects before the 2027 general election. He cited the Bukhungu International Stadium, expected to be completed by June 2026, and the Kakamega Level 6 Hospital, which he said has received renewed assurances from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Other key projects nearing completion include Shamakhubu Hospital and the upgraded Butere Level 4 facility. Starting next week, the governor will embark on a countywide development tour alongside MCAs to launch various ward-level initiatives, including the Misango Hills Water Project in Khwisero.
The governor also highlighted progress in social welfare and early childhood education, noting that over 900 self-help groups benefited from social protection grants last year, with more disbursements expected. He confirmed that Sh17 million had been invested in new desks and tables for ECDE centres, and directed contractors to hand over ongoing projects by June. Barasa added that his office would begin distributing top-dressing fertiliser to more than 150,000 widows and vulnerable households to boost food production, underscoring his administration’s commitment to inclusive, grassroots development.