Kenyan Controller of Budget warns counties on pending bills and payment misuse

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o warned Kenya’s county governments against rushing spending or leaving unpaid bills as the devolved government term ends. She said some counties divert released funds to unapproved activities, prompting complaints from suppliers about delayed payments. Nyakang’o announced a joint effort with the Central Bank of Kenya and the National Treasury to introduce an electronic payment system that would send approved payments directly to verified suppliers, aiming to curb misuse and protect businesses.

The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations directed Murang’a County to align its municipal revenue framework with the Urban Areas and Cities Act and the Public Finance Management Act. Senators highlighted delays in gazetting municipal charters and the use of “transfer” rather than “delegate” language, which could give the county executive excessive control. Governor Irungu Kang’ata acknowledged drafting errors and defended the county’s centralized revenue pooling, noting strong revenue growth in municipal collections for the 2025/26 fiscal year.