30th May 2022
PRESS STATEMENT ON CRITICAL ISSUES AFFECTING COUNTY GOVERNMENTS
Fellow Kenyans,
Members of the Press,
The Council of Governors attention is drawn to recent reports in the media on massive theft of cancer drugs of over Kshs. 4.6 million at our premier National Teaching and Referral Hospital, (KNH). These reports are suggestive of well-orchestrated efforts to deny citizens their realisation of right to health, primarily by people entrusted with a duty of care. These incidences are unfortunate and most disheartening.
We condemn in the strongest terms the inhumane actions that negate the ongoing reform initiatives by both National and County Governments to make access to quality essential medicines and medical supplies a right for all Kenyans at all times.
It is important to note that the burden of non-communicable diseases in the Country has been rising. Cancers account for the third largest cause of death in Kenya, after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Every year an estimated 42,116 new cases of cancer are reported with the number of cancer deaths estimated at 27,092 annually as documented in the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN report for 2020.
No doubt therefore, the health and economic burden attributable to Cancer in Kenya is enormous. Families have been driven into poverty from high out-of-pocket payments for healthcare especially for cancer. Standard courses of treatment for most common cancers in Kenya remain out of reach for most Kenyans.
In this regard, the Council of Governors condemns what has been reported in the press regarding the theft of essential and expensive cancer drugs at Kenyatta National Hospital. The facts are as follows;
The theft was rampant in the private wing, ICU and cancer center.
Medicines lost on transit from pharmacy & stores to the wards.
iii. A Syndicate involving porters, security and HealthCare Workers has been identified in these thefts
The Patients are denied care due to such evil practices by health personnel who have been sworn to essentially discharge their duties.
v. In the meantime, the culprits have not been punished.
We therefore call upon the Ministry of Health to;
- Establish of systems to curb the theft;
- Enhance systems to enable end-to-end visibility of the use of all drugs in the hospital;
- Improve supply chain infrastructure and information systems;
- Finally to ensure that there is no conflict of interest of those who manage the cancer unit at the KNH and private facilities since it has been reported that the stolen drugs are taken to one such facility owned by a senior official at the KNH Cancer Unit.
We would also like to add that it is urgent to invest heavily on development of human resources at the KNH, especially cancer specialists equipped with the most modern tools for the diagnosis
On another note, allow me to also address you on Finance Matters;
County Governments Additional Allocations for the Financial Year 2021/22.
In the current Financial Year, County governments were allocated Kshs.39.9 billion as additional funds. The County Governments Additional Allocations Act, 2022, was assented to on 22nd April 2022 and commenced on 13th May 2022.
In view of the aforementioned, we note with concern that thus far, no County Government has received any additional allocations with one month left to the end of the financial year under which these funds were budgeted for.
It has also come to our attention that some of the National Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible for the various conditional grants have revised downwards the amounts due to be disbursed to Counties in this Financial Year to about Kshs.24 billion. This as unlawful and unacceptable.
We implore the National Treasury to transfer Kshs.39.9 billion owed to Counties without undue delay and undeducted as articulated in the County Governments Additional Allocations Act, 2022 to ensure that Counties implement their budgets and plan accordingly.
Counties Equitable Share of Revenue Disbursement.
On Equitable share of revenue only 17 Counties have received their April 2022 allocations. 30 Counties are yet to receive their April allocations and all 47 Counties their May allocations. Total arrears owed to Counties amounts to Kshs.53.90 billion.
Cumulatively, the National Treasury has disbursed 77% of the total allocation for the financial year 2021/22 with only 4 weeks remaining. Outstanding balances amount to Kshs.83.5 billion (23%).
These perennial delays have negatively affected service delivery in the Counties and has further led to continuous accumulation of pending bills. This is already threatening the desired smooth transition after the August General Elections.
We urge the National Treasury to expedite the release the remaining allocations to Counties in the first week of June 2022 to give County Treasuries ample time to complete ongoing projects, adjust their budgets accordingly and prepare for transition.
Payment of Contribution in Lieu of Rates (CILOR) to Counties
A report of the Intergovernmental Technical Relations Committee (IGRTC) identifies Contribution in Lieu of Rates (CILOR) that the National Government owed the Defunct Local Authorities totaling to Ksh. 5,183,515,392 as of 27th March 2013.
These local authorities were inherited by County Governments at the advent of devolution. The report which was adopted by IBEC also identified several liabilities equally inherited by Counties.
We urge the National Treasury to implement the resolution of IBEC and release these funds to Counties to enable them settle part of the historical pending bills inherited from the defunct local authorities.
Conclusion,
As we conclude, we wish to condole with the family, friends and the people of Rabai Constituency, following the death of their Member of Parliament, Hon. William Kamoti.
May our earnest prayers serve as comfort during this time of grief.
Asanteni Sana!
~ Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyongó, EGH Chair Health Committee, Council of Governors ~
