A political storm is brewing between senators and governors over a new law that could redefine how counties handle public funds.
The County Oversight and Accountability Bill, 2024, sponsored by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, seeks to empower senators to monitor the collection, allocation, and management of county finances a move that has unsettled many county bosses who see it as an encroachment on devolved powers.
If passed, the Bill will establish County Oversight Offices to track how billions sent from the National Treasury are spent, while enhancing public participation in the budget-making process. The legislation also requires county budgets to be published for public scrutiny.
Senator Olekina said the Bill aims to fix gaps that have left citizens sidelined during budget deliberations. “We lack a legal framework guiding public engagement at the county level. People don’t understand how their budgets are made,” he said, adding that the law will make governors more accountable.
The Bill proposes creating county halls where governors and county finance executives can present budgets and manifestos to residents for open discussion a measure meant to foster transparency and give senators a clearer oversight role.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna supported the proposal, saying it aligns with Article 96(3) of the Constitution by strengthening the Senate’s oversight mandate. “Public participation in county spending is currently ineffective. This Bill offers a chance to fix that,” Sifuna noted.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who seconded the motion, added that 12 years into devolution, most citizens still lack awareness of how county budgets work. “If governors want to meet people to discuss finances, there should be proper avenues to do so,” he said.
The Bill’s introduction now sets the stage for what could be a heated showdown between the Senate and the Council of Governors, as both sides seek to assert control over county financial oversight.
