Since the inception of Devolution, County governments have continued to struggle with the challenges posed by pending bills (huge sums of money that they owe to contractors and suppliers).

Nakuru county is no exception as contractors and suppliers have been calling on the county government to honour their services rendered.

In April 2023, Governor Susan Kihika, stated that the county government was struggling with pending bills of up to Sh 5 billion.

Read: Kihika at One: A tough talking governor with a few fulfilled promises

She however directed that an audit be done and that the County Treasury ensures all eligible pending bills are paid.

But even as she marks one year in office, it is clear that majority of the contractors and suppliers have not been paid.

In an earlier interview with Mtaa Wangu in April after Governor Kihika gave the directive to pay all eligible pending bills, Mr. John Kihara – one of the suppliers with the County government lauded the move citing it a reprieve to many who had incurred loss due to loans acquired from banks.

Also Read: Suppliers laud Kihika for directive on pending bills

But just five months after the directive was issued, things seem to be stagnant with a section of contractors and suppliers saying they have not been paid.

One of the suppliers in the hospitality industry who seemed angered with the delayed payments refused to comment on the matter for fear of being victimized.

This, even as the county government maintains that the process of making payment to eligible contractors and suppliers is on.

According to the acting County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, the current administration inherited a huge pending Bill amounting to Sh 5 billion of which the health sector alone has Sh 1.2 billion.

Acting Nakuru county secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on September 27, 2023.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

“We inherited a Sh 1.2 billion debt in the health sector alone but the total pending bills was close to Sh 5 billion,” he says.

He points out that this has had a negative impact in various sectors such as health in terms of service delivery especially lab equipment supplies.

However, he is quick to note that upon assuming office, Governor Susan Kihika formed a committee to ascertain the eligible ones in order to be paid.

According to him, the payment is ongoing with already Sh 1.5 billion having been paid to eligible contractors and suppliers.

Related: Kihika at One: How Susan 'sweet talked' her way into the hearts of Nakuru health workers

“An audit was done on the pending bills, and about 1.5 billion shillings was paid to contractors and suppliers based on the audit.

Mwaura added that it is true there are pending bills that have not been paid because they have issues that need to be resolved by the pending bills taskforce, to make them eligible.

pmambili@gmail.com

Kihika at One: Pending bills issue rears its ugly head

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Pristone Mambili