By Morris Kimuli

Legal Opinion

While under general principles of fiscal integrity, money ought not to be re-allocated from the wages vote, practically and legally, nothing bars salaries and wages from being factored in in supplementary budgets.

I always cringe when people speak with finality. “You cannot” is a fairly drastic statement. Such absolutism usually emanates from limited exposure, or a limited appreciation of the manifold unpredictable situations that confront those who manage our public funds.

For those who cared to read and keep themselves updated, in the fiscal year 2018-2019, the National government presented two supplimentary budgets. In the second one, Parliament approved Shs. 80.6 Billion out of which 79 Billion went to recurrent expenditure.

More importantly, the National Assembly was told that the Supplementary Budget budget would cover salary shortfalls.

Our County Assembly, properly directing itself, ought to have approved money for payment of salaries. This money will ultimately be paid to the workers.

It is just a matter of time. And even if you have a bone to pick with anyone, the way to go is not to subject workers to misery by denying them money. It is insensitive and irresponsible. Our members of County Assembly need a lot of introspection.

I strongly recommend that they come off their high horses and walk for a moment in the shoes of Mwananchi. Meanwhile, it should comfort all of us that the County Government of Kitui seeking a solution to this matter.

While I don’t speak for the county, I think it is reasonable to ask county employees to exercise patience and restraint.

Every time your salary delays, it gives you a rare opportunity to thank God for the opportunity to have a job, and to walk in the shoes of those among us who have no job to wake up to, and hence no salary to expect.

The writer is an high Court lawyer