The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has scrutinized Murang’a County's management of municipal revenue and governance frameworks, urging compliance with relevant laws.

During a session held on Monday, July 27, 2026, the committee engaged with Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata to assess the operations of Murang’a, Kenol, and Kangari municipalities, focusing on adherence to the Urban Areas and Cities Act and the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act.

Municipal Governance and Revenue Frameworks Under Review

Chaired by Wajir Senator Mohamed Abbas, the committee demanded that Murang’a County address existing gaps in municipal structures and revenue systems to enable fiscal autonomy and improve service delivery.

Senators expressed concern over significant delays in the gazettement of municipal charters, with some taking up to three years to be formalized.

  • Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute questioned the prolonged timelines for gazetting municipalities.
  • Committee Vice Chair Senator Catherine Mumma highlighted improper terminology in county documents, noting the use of "transferring" functions instead of the legally mandated "delegating." Governor Kang’ata acknowledged this as an administrative oversight.

Municipal Revenue and Budget Utilization

Financial reports revealed that in the 2025/26 fiscal year, Kenol Municipality collected Ksh128.3 million, Murang’a Municipality Ksh117.2 million, and Kangari Municipality Ksh48.3 million.

Despite these collections, senators raised issues about low budget utilization and the practice of pooling municipal revenues into the County Revenue Fund (CRF).

Governor Kang’ata defended the use of automated revenue collection systems, arguing they eliminate the need for separate physical accounts as electronic records provide sufficient tracking.

However, senators, including Senator Peris Tobiko, insisted on strict adherence to Section 179 of the PFM Act, which requires municipalities to maintain independent accounts, prepare separate budgets, and manage their implementation independently.

Other Concerns and Follow-Up Actions

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, participating as a committee friend, raised additional concerns about physical planning, including the provision of cemeteries and recreational spaces in fast-growing urban areas like Kenol.

Governor Kang’ata assured the committee that Kenol operates under an approved physical plan, with designated areas for playfields, cemeteries, and an industrial park, alongside prioritized infrastructure upgrades for access roads.

The committee resolved to monitor Murang’a County's efforts closely as it works to rectify administrative errors and ensure municipal revenues effectively support local development and public service delivery.