How 34 counties will share the equalisation fund, no more marginalisation

How 34 counties will share the equalisation fund, no more marginalisation.

Last thursday, the legislators passed the Equalisation Fund (Appropriations) Bill, 2023 that gives authority to the counties to spend the cash.

The bill outlines how the 34 counties will share the funds to develop marginalised areas within the devolved units.

Previously, the funds were channeled towards 14 least developed counties, especially those in the arid and semi-arid areas, but the revenue commission changed that to 34.

The bill read,” The Equalisation Fund Secretariat may issue the sum Sh13.89 billion being allocation for 2021-22 and 2022-23, out of the Equalisation Fund and apply it towards the supply granted for the service of the year ending on the June 30, 2023.”

According to the Constitution, The main objective of the equalisation fund to provide basic services such as water, roads, health facilities and electricity to marginalised areas. It entails 0.5 per cent of all revenue collected by the national government.

The article read,”“This bill therefore proposes a legal framework for the issuance of monies out of the Equalisation Fund to counties in which marginalised areas fall for the provision of crucial basic services.”

Areas set to receive the fund include; Bartabwa, Barwessa and Saimo in Baringo North, Ilchamus, Mochongoi and Mukutani in Baringo South, Emining and Kisanana in Mogotio; and Churo, Kollowa, Loiyamorok, Ribkwo, Silale, Tangulbei and Tirioko in Tiaty.

In Elgeyo Marakwet, Keiyo South and Marakwet East will receive Sh87.57 million to improve roads, water and health services in Embobut, Endo, Kapyego, Sambirir and Lelan.

All the six constituencies in Garissa will get Sh848.54 million. They include; Balambala, Dadaab, Fafi, Garissa Township, Ijara and Lagdera.

In Homa Bay, Homa Bay Town, Suba North and Suba South will receive Sh176.99 million. In Isiolo, Isiolo North and Isiolo South will get Sh223.47 million whereas Kajiado South and Kajiado West will receive Sh557.84 million.

In Kericho, Bureti, Kipkelion West and Sigoet/Soin will get Sh81.88 million.

In Kilifi county; Ganze, Kaloleni, Kilifi North, Magarini, Rabai and Malindi constituencies will get Sh726.13 million.

In Kisumu; Muhoroni and Nyando will get Sh32.72 million. In kitui county; Kitui South, Kitui East, Mwingi Central and Mwingi North in Kitui will receive Sh534.59 million.

In Kwale; Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga and Mswambweni will get Sh393.51 million. In Laikipia;  Laikipia North and Laikipia West consistencies will get Sh160.45 million.

Additionally; Lamu will get Sh77.48 million, Machakos (Sh17.38 million), Mandera (1.01 billion) and Marsabit (Sh631.65 million).

Others include; Meru (Sh40.24 million), Muranga (Sh7.63 million), Nakuru (Sh8.65 million), Narok (Sh1.03 billion) and Samburu (Sh873.80 million), Tana River (Sh594.63 million) and Tharaka Nithi (Sh59.18 million), Siaya (Sh43.00 million), Taita Taveta (Sh17.93 million), Trans Nzoia (Sh10.05 million), Turkana (Sh1.53 billion), Wajir (Sh982.03 million) and West Pokot (Sh1.37 billion).

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