President William Ruto has approved an additional KSh71.09 billion for Kenya's 47 county governments after signing two bills into law.
The President assented to the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, 2026, and the County Assembly Services (Amendment) Bill, 2023, at Eldoret State Lodge on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The new legislation provides additional funding to county governments for the 2026/2027 financial year while introducing changes to the administration of county assembly services.
According to reports, the additional allocation has increased from approximately KSh70.67 billion in the previous financial year to KSh71.09 billion, representing an increase of KSh425.6 million.
How Counties Will Benefit From the KSh71 Billion Allocation
The County Governments Additional Allocations Act, 2026, establishes a legal framework for transferring additional funds to all 47 counties.
The funding will come from the national government's share of revenue, alongside loans and grants from development partners.
The additional resources are expected to support essential services and development programmes across the country.
Key priority areas include healthcare, agriculture, affordable housing, urban infrastructure, water and sanitation, and climate change initiatives.
The funding will also support county development projects and the delivery of services under the devolved system of government.
Why Ruto Signed the County Allocations Bill
The bill, sponsored by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, was passed by the Senate before being presented to the President for assent.
Its enactment allows county governments to incorporate the additional allocations into their budgets and proceed with eligible programmes and projects.
The legislation also provides a framework for transferring conditional allocations from the national government and resources obtained through development partner financing.
These funds are intended to supplement county budgets and help administrations meet their responsibilities in delivering public services.
Ruto Signs Law on County Assembly Officials
In addition to the county funding legislation, Ruto signed the County Assembly Services (Amendment) Bill, 2023, into law.
The legislation introduces procedures for handling petitions seeking the removal of members of County Assembly Service Boards.
Under the new framework, a removal petition is submitted to the Clerk and forwarded to the county assembly through the Speaker within seven days.
An 11-member select committee is then required to consider the matter within 10 days.
The law also establishes procedures for the suspension of county assembly clerks, including written reasons for the proposed action, an opportunity for the affected official to respond and provisions for a hearing.
New Law Provides Safeguards for County Assembly Staff
The County Assembly Services Amendment Act also provides safeguards for county assembly officers seconded to other institutions.
These protections cover their salaries, benefits and allowances, alongside provisions relating to reinstatement.
The changes are intended to establish clearer administrative procedures and address governance issues affecting county assembly service boards and their staff.
The signing of the two laws marks a new development in county financing and the administration of county assemblies as Kenya's devolved governments prepare to implement their programmes for the 2026/2027 financial year.