Kisii county assembly:Photo courtesy
Operations in Kisii County have been suspended following a court ruling that declared the county’s budget illegal. The Kisii County Assembly approved a budget that did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act, prompting the court’s decision. This ruling has significant implications for various services and projects within the county, leading to disruptions in local governance and public service delivery.
The case was brought to court by Vincent Mariita Omao, who argued that the county’s budget lacked necessary approvals and violated constitutional provisions.
In his petition, he stated, “The absence of an active County Public Service Board means no lawful recruitment or employment can be undertaken.” The court found merit in his claims, emphasizing that the county government had failed to adhere to legal requirements in its budgeting process.
As a result of this ruling, critical funding for health services, education, and infrastructure projects has been halted. Local leaders have expressed their disappointment over the situation. Kisii County Governor Simba Arati stated, “This ruling is a setback for our development agenda. We must act quickly to draft a new budget that complies with the law.” He emphasized that the lack of a legitimate budget would adversely affect service delivery to citizens.
The suspension of operations affects essential services such as healthcare and education. Health facilities may face shortages of essential supplies, while schools could struggle with operational costs. Community members have voiced their concerns about the implications of this ruling on their daily lives.
In light of this development, local leaders are calling for immediate action to rectify the situation. They urge the county assembly to convene urgently to draft a new budget that aligns with legal requirements.
“We need to come together as leaders to ensure that we restore normalcy and provide our people with the services they deserve,” said Assembly Speaker David Kombo.
The court’s decision also raises questions about financial management practices within the Kisii County Assembly. Stakeholders are calling for reforms to ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future. Improved oversight mechanisms could help prevent similar issues from arising, safeguarding public resources and enhancing service delivery.
The court ruling declaring Kisii County’s budget illegal has led to significant disruptions in operations and public service delivery. As local leaders work towards drafting a compliant budget, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage collaboratively to restore normalcy and ensure that residents receive the services they need.
