Nairobi, Aug. 11 -- Counties have received Sh2.9 billion in long-delayed mineral royalties, the National Treasury has revealed, marking a boon for the devolved administrative units and communities around mining sites.

The Treasury did not name beneficiary counties, but previous records showed that 32 mineral-rich counties were marked for royalty payouts. They include Kwale, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Kericho, Kakamega, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Kericho among others.

"The National Treasury disbursed 100 percent of the Sh2.9 billion allocations for mineral royalties to eligible counties. The full disbursement of the allocation reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the timely transfer and supporting county government...