Kenya: Counties face cash crunch, employees not paid for months

Kenya’s 47 counties are struggling as the central government withholds KSh63.95 billion ($494m), disrupting salaries and essential services.

Governors, including Kakamega’s Fernandes Barasa, warn that continued delays may force shutdowns of hospitals and other critical operations.

Some counties are borrowing to pay employees, while workers face months without salaries.

Finance Minister John Mbadi blames bureaucratic obstacles, but the Controller of Budget cites incomplete county budgets as a bottleneck.

Lawmakers are also divided over funding allocations, further delaying resolutions.

Experts urge counties to explore local revenue generation to reduce reliance on the central government, warning that continued infighting at the national level will worsen the crisis for millions relying on county services.