County governors, led by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, have called on the Senate to introduce targeted funding for urban areas within the Division of Revenue Bill. They argue that municipalities require dedicated financial resources to effectively deliver services and support infrastructure development.

Speaking before the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Governor Kilonzo highlighted the challenges municipalities face competing with counties for limited funds despite their growing responsibilities in urban planning, water, sanitation, roads, and waste management.

Need for a Specific Funding Mechanism

Kilonzo proposed establishing a distinct funding category for municipalities within the national revenue-sharing framework. He emphasized that urban centres have expanded rapidly, yet their financial needs remain under-recognized, hindering their ability to thrive.

“If we can find a specific place for municipalities in the Division of Revenue Bill, we would avoid constant competition over scarce resources,” Kilonzo said. He added that a dedicated kitty would enable municipalities to become financially self-sustaining by retaining a portion of locally generated revenue.

Operational Progress in Makueni

The governor shared that Makueni County has operationalised three municipalities — Wote, Emali-Sultan Hamud, and the recently established Mbooni-Kee — each with boards and management structures. Emali-Sultan Hamud notably emerged as the county's top revenue collector in the 2025-26 financial year after certain revenue streams were delegated to municipalities.

  • Delegated revenue sources include parking fees, bus park user fees, market fees, and toll rents.
  • Makueni is piloting revenue retention arrangements to fund urban services such as roads, drainage, street lighting, sanitation, and waste management.

Call for Uniform National Legislation

Kilonzo stressed the importance of a uniform legal framework to regulate how much revenue municipalities can retain. He warned against allowing counties to set their own retention formulas, which could lead to disparities and conflicts.

Contrasting views emerged from senators, with Senate Vice Chairperson Catherine Mumma suggesting that counties already have sufficient powers to create policies for revenue retention without new national laws. However, Kilonzo maintained that national legislation would ensure consistency across counties.

Urban Growth and Planning Challenges

The governor linked the push for affirmative action to the rapid urbanisation of municipalities, which are becoming key economic hubs. He cited Emali town’s extended business hours enabled by improved lighting and security as an example of urban vitality supported by local investments.

Kilonzo also warned of the risks posed by unplanned urban expansion, emphasizing that Makueni has spatial plans and planning controls to prevent incompatible developments and protect residents.

Need for National Support on Infrastructure

Highlighting inherited infrastructure deficits, Kilonzo called for increased national funding to complement county efforts, especially for sewerage, water, and solid waste systems. He noted that Wote town currently lacks a comprehensive sewerage system, illustrating the challenges faced by growing urban areas.

He concluded that affirmative action through dedicated grants would strengthen devolution by ensuring urban services reach residents effectively. He proposed ring-fencing part of the equitable share for municipalities to support their expanding roles.

"Accelerating municipalities’ growth requires more than goodwill; each must receive grants to drive urban development," Kilonzo said.