In a significant move aimed at addressing the persistent issue of delayed salary payments to county government workers, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a directive for the National Treasury to release all county personnel salary funds by the third day of each month. This announcement was made during the 12th National Government and County Governments Coordinating Summit held at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, December 10.
Addressing Salary Delays
During the summit, Kindiki emphasized that this move is designed to protect county government workers from the recurring cycle of delayed salaries, which has often led to financial difficulties for many employees. The Deputy President instructed the Controller of Budgets to expedite approval processes, ensuring that counties receive their allocated funds without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
“County governments will now be required to receive their funds in a timely manner. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that our workers are paid promptly, protecting them from the effects of delayed salaries,” said Kindiki.
Statutory Deductions Deadline Set
Further to addressing salary release delays, Kindiki also highlighted the importance of timely payments of statutory deductions. He directed that county governments ensure all statutory deductions are paid by the ninth day of every month. This directive aims to close loopholes that have previously led to workers being penalized for late payments.
“Subsequently, the county governments shall ensure that all statutory deductions are paid out by the ninth day of every month,” Kindiki added, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of county workers.
Government’s Commitment to Health Sector
In addition to the salary reforms, Kindiki shared other important developments, including the government’s commitment to integrating Community Health Promoters (CHPs) into the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme. The costs for this initiative will be equally shared between national and county governments, with each side contributing Ksh 330 per CHP per month.
The Deputy President also outlined plans to transition CHPs to permanent, pensionable terms, a process to be jointly developed by the Ministry of Health, the Public Service Commission, the Council of Governors (COG), and the National Treasury.
“There is a plan to integrate CHPs into the public health system with permanent terms. This will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and COG,” Kindiki stated.
Maternity Services and Health Fund Expansion
As part of broader health sector reforms, Kindiki announced that a framework for providing maternity services at Level 2 and 3 health facilities would be developed by January 2026. This framework will be supported by the Primary Health Care Fund, which will cover maternity-related charges under the SHA.
Changes to Vendor Contracts and Intergovernmental Relations
The government also moved to cancel all existing vendor installation contracts under the National Equipment Support Programme, allowing for new agreements with suppliers. This decision is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and ensure efficiency in service delivery.
Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGTRC) has been directed to expedite the unbundling of contested functions for transfer to counties. The Treasury has also been tasked with verifying the financial resources required for this process.
Pending Bursary Agreements and Disbursements
On the issue of pending bursary agreements, Kindiki instructed that all such agreements be finalized within the next 14 days. He also directed the Treasury to fast-track the disbursement of pending funds for county aggregation and industrial parks, ensuring that these critical resources are made available for development.
Public Finance Management Amendment Bill
In conclusion, Kindiki mentioned that the Public Finance Management Amendment Bill would be taken back for further review and consultations. This move signals the government’s intent to refine its approach to managing public finances and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the system.
Conclusion
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s directives aim to address longstanding issues related to salary delays, health sector reforms, and the efficient allocation of resources. By ensuring timely payments and addressing critical issues within the health sector, the government hopes to improve service delivery at the county level, benefiting both workers and the public.
