NAIROBI –The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has raised concerns over delays in the approval of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, warning that the hold-up is delaying the release of Sh9.44 billion conditional grants meant to support agricultural programmes across counties.
The committee, chaired by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, said the delay is disrupting the implementation of projects aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, improving irrigation, strengthening climate resilience, supporting livestock production and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
While reviewing the allocation, disbursement and implementation of conditional grants, senators noted that county governments are required under the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, to prepare programme-based budgets that align spending with measurable development outcomes.
The committee was informed that Sh9.44 billion has been allocated to agriculture during the 2026/2027 financial year through conditional grants jointly implemented by the national and county governments.
Among the key programmes under review were the Food Systems Resilience Project, the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project, the Drought Resilience Programme in Northern Kenya and the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme.
Senators expressed concern that delayed release of funds and low absorption of allocated resources continue to slow project implementation, increase financing costs and delay benefits intended for farmers.
The committee called for stronger compliance with grant conditions, improved procurement systems, enhanced beneficiary tracking and strengthened agricultural extension services to ensure public investments deliver better outcomes.
It also urged county governments to submit approved programme-based budgets before committee visits to improve oversight and accountability.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring “timely implementation of agricultural programmes and prudent use of public resources in support of food security and agricultural transformation.”
