This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
The National Treasury has announced that it will not disburse funds to 15 counties due to their failure to pay pending bills owed to suppliers and contractors. This move is aimed at freeing up Sh147.3 billion that county governments and national government entities owe to suppliers and contractors.
According to the National Treasury, county governments have eligible pending bills amounting to Sh51.2 billion, while national government departments and agencies owe suppliers and contractors Sh96.1 billion.
Acting National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani announced the move, stating that it is meant to ensure that the common man is paid for supplying goods and services. He emphasized that the government owes a duty of care to businesspeople who continue to suffer because they have not been paid for works done and services delivered.
The 15 counties whose disbursement will be stopped are Narok, Machakos, Nairobi, Vihiga, Isiolo, Tana River, Migori, Tharaka-Nithi, Bomet, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Garissa, and Baringo.
Additionally, the government will stop sending money to 53 national government departments that have also not shown any effort to clear pending bills.
Mr. Yatani also commended the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, Homabay, Kajiado, Kericho, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Makueni, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, and Uasin Gishu for clearing all their eligible pending bills.
