This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
As of now, Nairobi MCAs and staff have not received their April salaries, a situation that has been exacerbated by a power struggle between Speaker Beatrice Elachi and Clerk Jacob Ngwele.
The stalemate over the release of Sh60 million due to the 122 ward representatives, 150 assembly employees, and over 300 ward staff has been ongoing since early 2018.
During a recent appearance before the County Assembly's Public Account Committee, Nairobi Finance and Economic Planning CEC Allan Igambi attributed the delays in the payment of the salaries to the assembly.
He stated that as County Treasury, they had done their part by ensuring that the payroll had been processed, but the delay might be coming from the office of the Clerk.
Mr. Igambi also revealed that he had restored Mr. Ngwele as the assembly's signatory in Ifmis and the CBK, acting on direction from Governor Mike Sonko, being that the embattled Ngwele is the assembly's accounting officer.
Mr. Ngwele, however, alleged that the payment was cancelled allegedly by Speaker Elachi before being recalled and voided with the speaker instructing the assembly accountant to restart the process.
He stated that he approved the payment of the salaries on April 30, 2020, but the payment was cancelled allegedly by Speaker Elachi before being recalled and voided.
Ms. Elachi declined to comment on the issue, stating that it is an administrative matter to be canvassed internally.
The committee warned the Finance CEC that he be held responsible if the legislators' salaries are delayed further.
