MWANGANGI BLASTS STATE OVER COUNTY FUNDING AS ROW OVER DEVOLUTION INTENSIFIES

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration over the allocation of Sh428 billion to county governments in the 2026/2027 financial year, saying the amount falls short of expectations and weakens devolution.

Speaking in Machakos, Mwangangi said the allocation does not reflect the constitutional requirement of adequately empowering counties, arguing that underfunding continues to hinder service delivery at the grassroots.

He questioned the prioritization of national budget spending, claiming that more resources are being directed to certain ministries while counties remain constrained in their operations.

The Deputy Governor also accused Members of Parliament of failing to defend devolution, alleging that some have abandoned their oversight role in favor of personal interests.

“The Parliament has been captured by the State at the expense of the electorate, and it is time ordinary Kenyans rose up to defend themselves,” he said.

He further criticized President William Ruto’s administration over high spending on foreign trips, saying essential public services are being neglected.

Mwangangi also questioned the proposed additional Sh1.1 trillion borrowing, warning it could increase the country’s debt burden without directly benefiting citizens.

The remarks add to growing debate over equitable resource allocation and the future of devolution in the country.