Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-15 13:43:53
A total of 11 counties in the Rift Valley are poised to benefit from the Sh13 billion Equalization Fund, which is geared towards funding development projects in marginalized areas within the region. Additionally, the kitty will also extend its support to 23 other counties across the country.
The counties in the Rift Valley that will be allocated a share of the Sh13 billion include Baringo, Nakuru, Turkana, Samburu, Laikipia, Narok, West Pokot, Bomet, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kajiado. Among these counties, Turkana, West Pokot, Narok, and Samburu are set to receive a significant portion of the funding.
Specifically, Turkana will receive Sh1.53 billion, West Pokot will be allocated Sh1.37 billion, Narok will benefit from Sh1.03 billion, and Samburu will receive Sh873 million. The funds are aimed at uplifting marginalized communities in these areas, with a total allocation summing up to Sh13,893,791,644.
The Equalization Fund is anchored within Article 204 of the Constitution, and its primary objective is to provide basic services such as water, roads, health facilities, and electricity to marginalized areas. The legislation stipulates that 0.5 percent of all revenue collected by the national government should be allocated to the fund.
Originally, the funds were intended for the 14 least developed counties, particularly those situated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northern Kenya. However, the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) revised the formula, leading to an expansion in the number of beneficiary counties.
For instance, in Baringo County, a total of 96 sub-locations have been identified to benefit from Sh800 million from the Equalization Fund. This strategic allocation aims to facilitate the upliftment of marginalized areas and bring them at par with other developed regions in the country. The projects funded under the Equalization Fund will be executed under the supervision of the county commissioner, in collaboration with the county government.
In Narok County, 89 sub-locations classified as marginalized areas have been earmarked to benefit from the Third Policy of the Equalization Fund. These areas have been identified based on data provided by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) from the 2019 census, which ranked the villages as marginalized. Similar allocations have been designated for other counties within the Rift Valley, such as Kajiado, Nakuru, Laikipia, Bomet, Kericho, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The allocation of funds from the Equalization Fund is a step towards bridging the development gap in the marginalized areas of these counties, enabling them to access essential services and infrastructure on par with other developed regions across the country.
In 2023, the National Assembly and the Senate unanimously passed the Equalization Fund (Appropriations) Bill, 2023, which was subsequently assented to by President William Ruto. This paved the way for the release of the funds by the Treasury to the devolved units. Despite the potential for transformative impact, it is essential to note that the fund entitlement stands at Sh54.03 billion, of which only Sh26.29 billion has been allocated, with Sh12.40 billion disbursed in 2018.
In conclusion, the allocation of the Equalization Fund to the identified counties in the Rift Valley and other regions of the country signifies a strategic commitment towards addressing development disparities and uplifting marginalized communities. This initiative aligns with the constitutional mandate to ensure equitable provision of basic services and infrastructure for all regions, ultimately fostering socio-economic development and inclusive growth.
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