Marginalised Counties in Kenya to Receive Sh16.8 Billion Boost for Development
Quote from Lawyer on July 31, 2025, 9:40 amIn a significant move to address historical imbalances and promote equitable development, 34 marginalised counties across Kenya are set to receive a total of Sh16.8 billion from the Equalisation Fund for the 2025/2026 financial year. This landmark allocation, outlined in the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, aims to enhance access to essential services such as clean water, roads, health facilities, and electricity in some of the country's most underserved regions.
The Equalisation Fund, established under Article 204 of the Kenyan Constitution, allocates 0.5 percent of the national government's annual revenue to uplift marginalised areas, bringing their service quality closer to the national standard. The recent approval of the bill by both the National Assembly and the Senate, following a mediated agreement, marks a critical step in ensuring these funds reach the targeted communities. The disbursal is part of a broader effort to reduce regional disparities and empower counties to deliver vital services to their residents.
Among the counties benefiting from this allocation, Turkana is set to receive the largest share at Sh1.86 billion, followed by West Pokot with Sh1.66 billion and Narok with Sh1.25 billion. Mandera will receive Sh1.22 billion, while Samburu is allocated Sh1.05 billion. Other notable allocations include Sh967.68 million for Baringo, Sh878.03 million for Kilifi, and Sh475.83 million for Kwale. Smaller but equally significant disbursements include Sh29.23 million for Busia’s Budalang’i and Teso North constituencies and Sh95.59 million for Bungoma’s Mt Elgon constituency.
The funds are designated for specific sublocations and wards identified as marginalised by the Commission on Revenue Allocation. For instance, in Baringo, the allocation will support development in Tiaty, Mogotio, Baringo North, and Baringo South. In Elgeyo Marakwet, Sh105.89 million will improve infrastructure in Embobut, Endo, Kapyego, Sambirir, and Lelan. Garissa’s six constituencies will collectively receive Sh1.02 billion to enhance access to basic services.
This disbursal follows a separate allocation of Sh4.46 billion to 12 marginalised counties under an Affirmative Action initiative, where each county, including Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Isiolo, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Lamu, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Samburu, Taita-Taveta, Tharaka-Nithi, and Vihiga, received Sh371.6 million. Combined with the Sh16.8 billion from the Equalisation Fund, these investments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing developmental challenges in marginalised areas.
The Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, establishes a legal framework to ensure these funds are used effectively for their intended purpose. The bill mandates that the money be spent on improving access to critical services, such as water systems, road networks, health centers, and electricity infrastructure, which are county functions under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. This targeted approach aims to uplift communities that have historically been left behind, fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequalities across Kenya.
However, the disbursal comes amid concerns raised by regional leaders about delays in releasing Equalisation Fund allocations. At a recent Pastoralist Summit in Wajir, leaders from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands regions, including Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and Eldas MP Aden Keinan, called for the urgent release of Sh70 billion in Equalisation Fund arrears to address ongoing challenges like water scarcity and lack of educational facilities. They emphasized the constitutional obligation of the National Treasury to disburse these funds promptly to support marginalised communities.
The allocation of Sh16.8 billion is a step forward in Kenya’s journey toward equitable development. By channeling resources directly to marginalised areas, the government aims to empower counties to implement community-prioritized projects that deliver tangible benefits. As these funds begin to roll out, residents in the 34 beneficiary counties can look forward to improved infrastructure and services, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
In a significant move to address historical imbalances and promote equitable development, 34 marginalised counties across Kenya are set to receive a total of Sh16.8 billion from the Equalisation Fund for the 2025/2026 financial year. This landmark allocation, outlined in the Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, aims to enhance access to essential services such as clean water, roads, health facilities, and electricity in some of the country's most underserved regions.
The Equalisation Fund, established under Article 204 of the Kenyan Constitution, allocates 0.5 percent of the national government's annual revenue to uplift marginalised areas, bringing their service quality closer to the national standard. The recent approval of the bill by both the National Assembly and the Senate, following a mediated agreement, marks a critical step in ensuring these funds reach the targeted communities. The disbursal is part of a broader effort to reduce regional disparities and empower counties to deliver vital services to their residents.
Among the counties benefiting from this allocation, Turkana is set to receive the largest share at Sh1.86 billion, followed by West Pokot with Sh1.66 billion and Narok with Sh1.25 billion. Mandera will receive Sh1.22 billion, while Samburu is allocated Sh1.05 billion. Other notable allocations include Sh967.68 million for Baringo, Sh878.03 million for Kilifi, and Sh475.83 million for Kwale. Smaller but equally significant disbursements include Sh29.23 million for Busia’s Budalang’i and Teso North constituencies and Sh95.59 million for Bungoma’s Mt Elgon constituency.
The funds are designated for specific sublocations and wards identified as marginalised by the Commission on Revenue Allocation. For instance, in Baringo, the allocation will support development in Tiaty, Mogotio, Baringo North, and Baringo South. In Elgeyo Marakwet, Sh105.89 million will improve infrastructure in Embobut, Endo, Kapyego, Sambirir, and Lelan. Garissa’s six constituencies will collectively receive Sh1.02 billion to enhance access to basic services.
This disbursal follows a separate allocation of Sh4.46 billion to 12 marginalised counties under an Affirmative Action initiative, where each county, including Elgeyo-Marakwet, Embu, Isiolo, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Lamu, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Samburu, Taita-Taveta, Tharaka-Nithi, and Vihiga, received Sh371.6 million. Combined with the Sh16.8 billion from the Equalisation Fund, these investments reflect the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing developmental challenges in marginalised areas.
The Equalisation Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, establishes a legal framework to ensure these funds are used effectively for their intended purpose. The bill mandates that the money be spent on improving access to critical services, such as water systems, road networks, health centers, and electricity infrastructure, which are county functions under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. This targeted approach aims to uplift communities that have historically been left behind, fostering inclusive growth and reducing inequalities across Kenya.
However, the disbursal comes amid concerns raised by regional leaders about delays in releasing Equalisation Fund allocations. At a recent Pastoralist Summit in Wajir, leaders from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands regions, including Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali and Eldas MP Aden Keinan, called for the urgent release of Sh70 billion in Equalisation Fund arrears to address ongoing challenges like water scarcity and lack of educational facilities. They emphasized the constitutional obligation of the National Treasury to disburse these funds promptly to support marginalised communities.
The allocation of Sh16.8 billion is a step forward in Kenya’s journey toward equitable development. By channeling resources directly to marginalised areas, the government aims to empower counties to implement community-prioritized projects that deliver tangible benefits. As these funds begin to roll out, residents in the 34 beneficiary counties can look forward to improved infrastructure and services, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.