COUNTIES FACING A CASH CRUNCH

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Chairperson Finance and Economic Affairs Committee at the Council of Governors (CoG) H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa has asked the National Treasury to release funds owed to Counties with immediate effect and facilitate full absorption by the County Governments by end of this month, June 2023.

According to Governor Barasa, County Governments are owed funds for the period between April and May

amounting to Shs 66 Billion; money that was expected to be released by 31st May, few weeks before the end of the current Financial Year that ends on 30th June during which all Government budgeted funds must have been fully utilised. He was speaking at the funeral service of the late Benjamin Mwati in Mumias West Sub-County.

All the 47 counties are owed Shs 33.3 and Shs 31.45 Billion for the months of April and May respectively.

The delays have seen County Government scale down essential operations such as healthcare and slow down on implemention of critical development projects at the grassroots

Once again, the County boss asked Uganda’s Sarai Group, which manages Mumias Sugar Company to prioritise employment of locals.

On his part the Deputy Governor H.E Ayub Savula said the National Government advisors on economic affairs are performing below par on their advisory roles.