Several suppliers who delivered goods and services to Ziwa Technical Training Institute (Ziwa TTI) have raised concerns over what they describe as prolonged non payment of pending bills, with some claiming they have waited for more than a year without receiving the money they are owed.
The suppliers say they fulfilled their contractual obligations, delivered the requested goods and services, and submitted the required documents, but payment has allegedly remained elusive despite repeated follow ups.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
According to the complainants, every attempt to seek payment has turned into a frustrating cycle.
They claim they are routinely referred from the Finance Department to the Principal's office and back again, with neither office providing a clear explanation or definite payment date.
The whistleblower alleges that finance officers often say the matter rests with the Principal, while the Principal reportedly assures suppliers that payment will be made "tomorrow," "next week," or "very soon." The complainants say those promises have continued for months, and in some cases, for more than a year.
Behind every unpaid invoice, the suppliers say, is a business fighting for survival.
Some explain that they borrowed money from banks, SACCOs and mobile lenders to finance the supplies after trusting that a public institution would honour its financial obligations once deliveries were completed.
Others say they invested personal savings into the contracts, believing payment from a government institution would be reliable.
Instead, many now find themselves trapped in debt.
Interest on loans continues to accumulate. Some suppliers say they have been listed by lenders, while others fear losing property they used as security to obtain financing.
Several small businesses are reportedly on the verge of closure after going for months without receiving payment.
The suppliers say what hurts most is not only the delay but what they describe as the lack of honest communication.
They claim every visit to the institution ends with another promise that fails to materialise, forcing them to spend more money on transport while returning home empty handed.
Some say the uncertainty has taken a heavy emotional toll, with constant pressure from creditors affecting their mental wellbeing and family life.
The complaints have raised broader questions about the management of pending bills within public institutions.
Over the past two years, several public institutions, county governments and learning institutions have faced criticism after suppliers complained of delayed payments despite completing contracts. The issue has featured repeatedly in reports by the Office of the Auditor General, which has highlighted the growing burden of pending bills across public entities. Similar complaints have also emerged from institutions where suppliers say delayed payments have forced businesses to shut down, workers to lose jobs and entrepreneurs to fall into financial distress while waiting for money already earned.
The suppliers are now calling on the Ministry of Education, the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission, the Office of the Auditor General, and other relevant oversight agencies to investigate why the pending bills have remained unsettled for such a long period.
They are also asking the institution to explain whether funds intended to settle suppliers were received, how they were utilised, and when those still waiting can expect payment.
Below is part of the complaint received.
Good morning Nyakundi,
Kindly conceal my identity for fear of victimization.
I am reaching out as a desperate supplier seeking your intervention regarding what appears to be a deeply troubling situation at Ziwa Technical Training Institute. For more than a year, several suppliers who delivered goods and services to the institution have remained unpaid despite fulfilling their contractual obligations.
What is happening raises serious questions about accountability and financial management within the institution. Suppliers are continuously tossed between the Finance Department and the Principal's office. Finance officers claim the matter is with the Principal, while the Principal repeatedly issues promises that payments will be made "tomorrow," "next week," or "very soon." These promises have become a cycle that has gone on for months and, in some cases, over a year.
Behind these unpaid invoices are real people whose lives and businesses are crumbling. Some suppliers borrowed money from banks, SACCOs, and mobile lenders to deliver the requested supplies. Others used their savings, believing that a government institution would honor its obligations. Today, many are drowning in debt, struggling with loan repayments, accumulating interest, and the constant pressure from creditors.
What is most heartbreaking is the apparent indifference shown to the suffering of these suppliers. Every visit to seek payment ends with another excuse, another promise, and another journey home empty-handed. Meanwhile, families continue to suffer, businesses are on the verge of collapse, and livelihoods built over many years are being destroyed.
We are therefore appealing to you to investigate and expose this matter. Why have suppliers remained unpaid for such a long period? Where are the funds meant to settle these pending bills? Why are suppliers being subjected to endless promises without any concrete action?
We believe public scrutiny may be the only way to bring attention to this issue and compel those responsible to address the plight of suppliers who have been treated unfairly and left to suffer in silence.
Please help us amplify our cry for justice.
Thank you.