Members of Parliament, spearheaded by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, have dismissed Senate amendments seeking to raise the 2025 county allocations by Ksh65 billion.
The Senate had recently passed an amendment to the Division of Revenue Bill 2025, proposing an increase in the equitable share from Ksh405 billion to Ksh465 billion. However, the National Assembly has termed the proposed hike unrealistic amid the country’s current economic strain.
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Economic Realities Dictate Decision
Addressing lawmakers during the parliamentary session, Ichung’wah said Kenya lacks the fiscal space to accommodate the additional Ksh65 billion sought by the Senate.
“It’s only fair to reject these amendments and go into early mediation,” he stated on the House floor, underlining the need for a practical approach in balancing national priorities with economic realities.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah during a past National Assembly session. Photo: Parliament of Kenya
Next Steps: Mediation Looms
Following the rejection, the Bill will now proceed to a mediation committee comprising members from both Houses, tasked with resolving the deadlock before the budget timelines lapse.
This clash between the National Assembly and the Senate once again highlights the ongoing struggle over resource allocation and the balance of power in Kenya’s devolved system.
As Kenyans await a final resolution, counties continue to push for more resources to meet increasing service delivery demands at the grassroots level.
