Meru MCAs have significantly altered the 2024/2025 Meru budget, a move that has escalated friction between Governor Kawira Mwangaza and the ward reps.
The MCAs have wielded their influence by enacting substantial amendments to the County Fiscal Strategy Paper (CFSP) 2024.
These amendments, aimed at curbing executive discretion over fund allocation, signify a widening gap in the ongoing dispute.
A key point of contention revolves around the allocation of funds, particularly the allocation of over Sh531 million to the Mechanical Transport Fund for road projects and Sh100 million for cattle donations, a move contested by the MCAs.
Accusations of preferential treatment in the execution of development projects, allegedly favoring wards with favorable MCA alliances, further fuel the conflict.
Deputy Speaker Mwenda Ali has escalated the issue by petitioning the Senate Committee on Devolution to investigate the purported discriminatory practices in project implementation.
Jacob Mwirigi, Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, emphasizes that the CFSP 2024 signifies a shift towards decentralizing development funds to the ward level, setting departmental spending limits within the Sh12.4 billion budget projection.
However, concerns arise regarding the lack of comprehensive public participation in determining the development budget, with only a fraction of the proposed expenditure undergoing scrutiny. This triggers a call for broader public involvement to ensure transparency and equity in budget allocation.
With a focus on grassroots development, the MCAs allocate Sh1.8 billion to ward-based projects, underscoring their commitment to empowering local communities. This move marks a departure from previous budgetary practices that favored centralized spending.
Efforts to safeguard against misuse of conditional grants, which previously hindered development budget execution, are also evident. Stricter oversight measures, including mandatory submission of work plans for approval, aim to streamline fund utilization and enhance accountability.
Despite concerns surrounding a burgeoning wage bill, the MCAs advocate for the allocation of Sh305 million towards essential recruitment drives in crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and water management.
Furthermore, demands for institutional reforms, including the creation of a budgetary provision for the deputy governor’s office and the disbandment of the county revenue board, underscore the depth of the governance crisis and the urgency for resolution amidst escalating tensions.
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