Via Daily Nation

Operations of Bomet, Migori and Nyamira county assemblies have been hit by lack of funds.

At the Nyamira County Assembly, Speaker Joash Nyamoko said suppliers, workers as well as the ward representatives have not been paid their dues.

“Our operations may stop anytime,” he told the Nation.

“We owe suppliers more than Sh30 million. Even those who supply us with stationery have stopped doing so because we have not paid them a coin for the last nine months,” Mr Nyamoko said.

He described as “peanuts”, the Sh250 million budget ceiling given by the Controller of Budget. They require at least Sh575 million, he said.

The situation is equally grave at the Migori County Assembly which, Speaker Gordon Ogolla says, is currently operating on a shoe-string budget.

Mr Ogolla also questioned the wisdom behind the budget ceiling ordered by the Commission on Revenue Allocation, saying it was hurting their operations.

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“For instance, we get about Sh450 million but salaries and allowances take over Sh370 million, leaving us with only Sh80 million to fund operations. This is too little,” he said.

“We are unable to pay our contractors and suppliers. I ask the CRA to review budget ceilings for Assemblies to enable us to work effectively,” said Mr Ogolla.

In Bomet, the Assembly has already depleted the Sh265 million it was allocated this financial year and needs additional funds to survive until the next allocation.

The Assembly had earlier demanded an increase of its allocation to Sh336 million, saying what it was given was inadequate.

Deputy Governor Stephen Mutai asked the Assembly to borrow funds to enable it carry on with its activities.

Mr Mutai dismissed a proposal by Speaker Geoffrey Kipng’etich for the assembly to close until its financial problems are solved.

“Closing the Assembly is uncalled,” he said