President William Ruto has bowed to pressure from the Council of Governors (COG) and disbursed Ksh10 billion to county governments for El Nino emergencies.
While speaking during a press briefing, State House Spokes Person Hussein Mohammed stated that the amount had already been disbursed.
Further, he noted that the government would be disbursing an additional Ksh10 billion to county governments.
Additionally, the Mohammed noted that the additional Ksh10 billion would be disbursed by Thursday, latest before the end of the week.
“The National Treasury last week disbursed Ksh10 billion, part of their shareable revenue. Cabinet also directed the National treasury to disburse an additional Ksh10 billion before the end of the week,” he stated.
Ruto Blames Kenya Met For El Nino Reports
On the other hand, Mohammed stated that Ruto was not wrong for stating that the El Nino rains would not be as heavy as had been earlier predicted by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
According to the spokesperson, the Head of State was well informed by the weatherman adding that the earlier prediction had already been downplayed.
He stated that Ruto was only reporting information that he had already received. He also reiterated that the president later clarified the matter after consulting with the weatherman.
Also Read: Kenyans Blast Ruto as He Mourns El Nino Victims
Gachagua on El Nino Emergency Funds
This follows an earlier statement by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the money had already been released, blaming governors for failing to use the money to help Kenyans affected by El Nino rains.
However, governors ganged up against the DP stating that they had not received any funds.
They also condemned Gachagua for lying about such crucial matters noting that the national government owed the counties additional funds.
“To date, we wish to state that the County Governments have not received any allocation from the National Government to go towards mitigation measures.
Also Read: Governors Gang up Against Gachagua Over Ksh 10B Cash
“We note with concern public utterances that suggest that County Governments have received funds from the National Government to support the mitigation of the devastating impact of the El Nino Rain,” COG Chairperson Ann Waiguru stated.
Gachagua’s Earlier Response to the Governors
Earlier, Gachagua changed tune admitting that there were no such funds that would come from the national government.
Further, he claimed that he had been misquoted on the matter adding that the county bosses ought to use funds that were already within their provision for emergencies.
“We are shocked to see governors complaining that they are yet to receive money for El Nino from the national government.
“Such money is not forthcoming. We expect them to use emergency money within their financial provision,” he stated.
