Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has criticized county governments for allocating a significant portion of their resources to salaries at the expense of development projects.

Cheruiyot noted that despite the law capping salary expenditures at 35 percent of total allocations, some counties, Kericho included—are spending over 50 percent, which is a violation of the law.

The Kericho Senator expressed concern that the increasing wage bill is crippling service delivery and slowing down essential infrastructure projects meant to benefit residents.

“It is unfortunate that counties are spending more than half of their budget on salaries instead of investing in roads, healthcare, and water projects. This is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of devolution,” Cheruiyot said.

Speaking at Tumaini Primary School in Subukia, during the launch of a water project, the senator stated that he will introduce a bill in the Senate to withhold allocations from governors who fail to comply with the law until at least 50 percent of resources are directed toward development projects.

“I will push for legislation that ensures any governor who fails to prioritize development will not receive further allocations until they meet the legal threshold. Counties must use resources for the benefit of the people, not just to pay salaries,” he said.

He emphasized that unless corrective measures are taken, the over-expenditure on salaries will undermine the goals of devolution, leaving counties unable to implement key projects such as healthcare, roads, and water supply.