This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Nairobi County Assembly has decided to hand over the responsibility of paying pending bills to Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). This move comes after the assembly expressed concerns over the inefficiencies in the county executive's finance department, which has been criticized for failing to clear pending bills in a timely manner.
According to a motion tabled by nominated MCA June Ndegwa, the county executive's finance department has been slow in paying Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) despite the Covid-19 crisis that has severely impacted businesses. The motion also highlighted the need for a fresh scrutiny of the county's pending bills to ensure fast and efficient payment of suppliers and contractors.
Speaking on the issue, MCA Ndegwa expressed her concern that small scale traders, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have not been prioritized in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak to safeguard their businesses. She called on NMS to intervene and ensure that these businesses receive the necessary support.
As of 2019, Nairobi County had a pending bill of Sh9,800 owed to a supplier, which is a clear indication of the inefficiencies in the county's finance department. The assembly hopes that by handing over the responsibility to NMS, the pending bills will be cleared efficiently and effectively.
