March 19, 2024

Uproar on Revenue Allocation Intensifies as CSO’s Reject Formula

Coast civil society organisations reference Group Chairperson Zedekia Adika addressing the media at a past function. Image: (Courtesy)

By The COAST Team
Email: thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Coast Civil society organizations (CSO) have rejected the Third Commission on revenue allocation CRA recommended claiming it is a deliberate attempt to cut revenue for the region.
The CSO’s argue that should the formula be adopted Coast Counties risk losing a total of a whooping sh4billion.
CSOs Chairperson Zedekiah Adika points that Mombasa county will lose a total of 633 Million, Kilifi 1.33 Million, Kwale 1.329 Million, Tan River 538 Million and Taita Taveta 95 million.
The CSO’s recommend that any formula adopted must enhance current revenue allocation trend and ensure stable and practicable income revenue for the nation.
They are appealing to the senate not to undermine the gains of devolution saying counties are the fulcrum of combating the spread of the coronavirus.
The Kituo Cha Sheria Advocate notes that Article 202 (1) of the constitution provides that revenue raised nationally shall be shared equitably among the national and county governments.
He further points that Article 203 (d) provides that the criteria for determining equitable shares takes into account counties ability to perform functions assigned in the Fourth schedule.

Zedekia Adika. Image; (Courtesy)

Adika points that the formula will decapitate service delivery in the coast region.
He says the region stares at a cut throat economy leading to an extremely reduced local revenue due to the corona virus.

“Besides Nairobi, the corona virus pandemic has hit the region hardest. With such adverse effects on tourism and employment, all night economy crippled,” he said.
According to the CSOs, The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)I being recommended by the president suggests an upward resource allocation to counties but it is ironic that the formula contravenes the law.
He says “It beats logic to spend billions writing reports then brazenly contravene them to the disadvantage of the Coastal counties,”
The CSOs indicate that the constitutionally public officers under article 41, 151 2 160 4 and 250 8 are proscribed to varying remuneration benefits and privileges to those holding public offices.
“Such cutting down of allocation will certainly breach the principle.” concluded Adika.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may have missed