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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 27330, member: 2262"] County leaders across Kenya want $547 billion for next year. They say this money helps them run local services properly. The amount comes from expected growth plus cash for jobs they handle. Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi talked about this at a Senate meeting Thursday. Treasury officials suggest a much smaller amount of $405 billion for these local governments. The Revenue Commission proposes $417 billion instead. County bosses also want lawmakers to approve a special bill without the roads fund part. This would free up billions for important projects. Local governments need at least $73.78 billion to pay for requirements created by national leaders. These costs include new taxes and programs from the central government. The total $547 billion request covers these must-pay items plus regular county business. Abdullahi told Senator Ali Roba they plan to buy new medical gear for $39 billion. County officials listed other expenses they face. They must pay $4.05 billion for housing taxes and $6 billion for social security. Their industrial park projects need $11.75 billion. Community health workers' programs require $3.23 billion. Doctor salary increases from past agreements cost money. Road work needs $3.45 billion more. These regional leaders point out problems with national budget plans. They say the central government spends money on things counties should control. The health ministry got $7.2 billion for hospitals and maternity care. Dry regions received $2.7 billion for water projects and flood control. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka called these items "budgeted corruptions" worth $29 billion. Counties believe central authorities should not spend $1.01 billion on rural roads or housing access routes. They question energy department funds of $1.8 billion. Water department money of $435 million seems wrong to them. Agriculture spending of $15.04 billion appears misdirected. Environment funds of $374.5 million belong at the county level. Local leaders say their funding should grow when the economy grows, just like national budgets do. [/QUOTE]

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