This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Acting National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani has released Sh11 billion to 18 counties to clear pending bills, bringing relief to the affected regions. The funds were released to counties that presented clear and acceptable plans for the settlement of validated pending bills.
On Wednesday, Yatani explained that the decision to withhold funds from 35 counties was made after stakeholder engagement on how to offset the pending bills. He stated, 'Today, December 11, I wish to inform the public and other stakeholders that we have released Sh11 billion to 18 counties who presented clear and acceptable plans for the settlement of validated pending bills.'
The 18 counties that received the Sh11 billion include Baringo, Bomet, Embu, Garissa, Isiolo, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Machakos, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Nandi, Narok, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka/Nithi, and Vihiga. Additionally, 12 counties received Sh7.2 billion, including Egeyo/Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kericho, Kilifi, Kwale, Laikipia, Makueni, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, and Uasin Gishu.
However, five counties will still not receive the funds due to outstanding pending bills. According to a summary of pending bills audit by the office of the Auditor-General as at November 28, counties such as Machakos, Nairobi, Mombasa, Narok, Vihiga, Tana River, Kirinyaga, Garissa, Turkana, Meru, West Pokot, Homa Bay, Kwale, Kisumu, Kiambu, and Nakuru had over Sh1 billion in pending bills.
