Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-22 09:24:17
The Senate made a significant move on Wednesday when it passed seven bills, one of which was the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, 2023. This fund, with a total kitty of Ksh10.8 billion, is intended to support the provision of fundamental services such as water, roads, health facilities, and electricity in counties that have historically been marginalized by previous governments. The goal is to uplift these areas to the point where the quality of the services provided is on par with the rest of the nation.
A total of 33 counties have been approved to receive funding from the Equalisation Fund. This funding will complement the initiatives of both national and county governments in order to improve the quality of life in these marginalized areas. Despite objections from parliamentarians in the Central region, lawmakers from marginalized regions successfully advocated for their regions to benefit from the kitty, as envisioned by the drafters of the 2010 Constitution.
Out of 34 constituencies in the Central region, only Ithanga Ward in Gatanga Constituency will receive Ksh5 million from the Equalisation Fund. On the other hand, counties in Nyanza and North Eastern regions were among the largest beneficiaries of the fund.
In Kisumu, a total of Ksh25 million will be shared between the Muhoroni and Nyando Constituencies, while in Siaya, a total of Ksh33 million will be shared between Bondo, Gem, and Rarieda constituencies. Homa Bay Town, Ndhiwa, Suba North, and Suba South in the Nyanza region received Ksh138 million to share, and Migori’s Kuria West, Nyatike, Suna West, and Uriri received Ksh187 million to share. All constituencies in the former North Eastern region also received part of the Equalisation Fund.
The largest beneficiaries of the Fund include Turkana (Ksh1.2 billion), West Pokot (Ksh1 billion), Narok (Ksh812 million), Mandera (Ksh793 million), and Wajir (Ksh768 million). Additionally, counties in the Upper Eastern region, which are part of the larger Mt. Kenya region, such as Meru and Tharaka Nithi, also received funding from the equalisation fund.
In Meru, the constituencies of Igembe South, South Imenti, and Tigania East will benefit, and in Tharaka Nithi, the beneficiaries will be Maara and Tharaka constituencies. Meru will receive Ksh31 million, and Tharaka Nithi will share Ksh46 million among the two identified constituencies.
The passing of these bills is a significant step towards addressing the historical marginalization of certain counties in Kenya. This funding will play a crucial role in improving the infrastructure and services available in these areas, ultimately raising the quality of life for their residents.
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