One of the pertinent concerns that the council raised was the necessity of and budget allocation to handle the pandemic. They justified that it was the end of a financial year and hence county governments did not have funds to address the pandemic.
They asked the national government to allocate resources to the counties as Covid-19 could be counted as a national disaster warranting such monetary considerations.
“We, therefore, urge the president to convene a meeting that involves all stakeholders including governors to strategize on how to mitigate the economic effects of Covid-19. At times like this, we should all be able to work together for the sake of our people,” read the statement in part.
Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua arrives at Kenya School of Government (KSG), Lower Kabete, Kiambu for a Consultative Devolution meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
kenyagist.com
The question of adequate funding was echoed to by Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua. In his address, the Governor asserted that the national government had a duty to address itself to the question of funding for the pandemic.
“Money is a very important thing. We need money. We need to think about what the national government through Treasury can do,” Mutua began.
He stated that the government should consider suspending other non-integral projects to free up funds to handle the pandemic
“We need to halt projects so we can set money aside what we can use as a cushion, ” stated Mutua.
Justifying his request, Mutu highlighted that a number of businesses would bear the brunt of the virus and needed protection from the worst effects.
“There are businesses being closed, hotels are being closed, factories are being closed. How are those factories going to survive after this pandemic?” questioned Mutua, adding, “Some will go under completely and people will lose their jobs.”
The governor compared Kenya’s policies with what other nations in the west were doing. He indicated that the government should consider going down a similar path.
“In the United States, companies are being given money, citizens are being given money. We must be involved in the conversation. We need to think outside the box, so we can see how we can take care of our businesses and our people,” stated Mutua.
The governor further highlighted that there was a need for Kenyans to come together during a difficult time.
“Our country is not only for the rich but both the wealthy and the poor. So let us help each other as a country as this disease affects everybody, concluded Mutua.
Currently, only the county government of Machakos and Vihiga have set aside money to handle the coronavirus pandemic.
In a press release on March 18, the county government of Vihiga revealed that it had set aside Ksh20 million through its contingency fund for preventive measures and emergency response as they wait on additional funds from the national government.
Mutua, for his part, set aside Ksh100 million to enable the Health Department to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
Medical practitioners at a Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
kenyagist.com
Across the world, France, Spain are two of the countries that have unveiled emergency packages to mitigate the consequences of the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, March 18, Bruno Le Maire, the France Finance Minister announced Ksh 34 trillion in bank loans to businesses to ensure they do not collapse.
Spain, with the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe, announced Ksh 11 trillion in loans and guarantees for companies in need of cash. Of this, Ksh 6 billion would be used to help vulnerable people and those depending on social services.