Governors raise alarm over delayed Ksh.8.9 billion health funding

The Council of Governors (CoG) is sounding the alarm over delays in the disbursement of Ksh.8.9 billion meant to facilitate the absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff into county governments on permanent and pensionable terms.

CoG Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki says counties have been forced to seek overdraft facilities from financial institutions to meet the cost of improved terms for health workers, putting further pressure on development projects and service delivery.

Njuki also accused the National Treasury of deliberately crippling county operations through persistent delays in the disbursement of equitable share revenue.

He emphasized that the true measure of government is not the policies developed or institutions established, but the quality of services delivered and the impact on citizens’ lives.

He noted that county governments must invest in continuous staff training, skills development, workforce planning and performance management to ensure public servants are equipped to meet the needs of wananchi.

The CoG chair also called for greater accountability, professionalism and integrity in public service, emphasizing that performance, merit and ethical leadership must guide decision-making.

Rather than focusing on the size of the workforce, he said counties must prioritize productivity, prudent use of resources and measurable outcomes, as well as build people-centred governments capable of turning Kenya's vision of a first world into reality.