Section of North Rift leaders blame anti-finance bill protests for the country's financial crisis

https://nation.africa/ Section of North Rift leaders blame anti-finance bill protests for the country's financial crisis Following the financial crisis witnessed in the country, leaders from the North Rift region have blamed it on the impact of the deadly Generation Z-led  protests that happened a few months ago opposing the finance bill 2024, 2025. The protests forced President William Ruto to drop the bill, dismiss half of his cabinet, and incorporate opposition leaders into the broad-based government. This comes when differences have emerged between members of the National Assembly and senators over the Shs 15.3 billion county fund slash due to the harsh economic crisis. The standoff has threatened to delay the passage of the Division of Revenue Bill, 2024—a piece of legislation that splits between the national and county governments funds generated nationally. This now threatens to derail the passage of crucial legislation to pave the way for the reading of 2024–25 budgets. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over county funding, with the Senate demanding Sh400 billion while the National Assembly advocates for Sh380 billion. This standoff has led to financial strain on counties, with the mediation process highlighting a lack of trust between the two Houses. The government is also pushing to be allowed to borrow more funds from outside. Many counties are facing a cash crunch as funds from the National Treasurer delay because President William Ruto’s embattled administration faces a Herculean task in the months ahead in funding public services, implementing development projects and programs, and paying public debts.