Gov’t accrues over Ksh.637B in pending bills - Controller of Budget

The ballooning pending bills accumulated by both the national and county governments remain a matter of concern for the National Treasury.

This coming as Controller of Budget Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o on Wednesday revealed that both levels of government had surpassed Ksh.637 billion as at December last.

Dr. Nyakang’o, speaking when she appeared before the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, said that with the limited resources, it is expected that the figure will rise further.

“Ministries, departments and agencies owe supplies and contractors Ksh.80. 28 billion. State corporations owe Ksh.400.68 billion while counties are grappling with a huge debt totalling Ksh.157. 91 billion,” she stated.

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina questioned: “If all of us don’t think outside the box or go an extra mile by the end of next year will we have a country? This Ksh.637 billion will triple…”

The pending bills were occasioned by the failure of government to settle bills on goods delivered and services rendered.

Committee Chairman Godfrey Osotsi stated: “We know many Kenyans who have died...contractors who have faithfully and diligently supplied goods and services to counties and they have not been paid and they end up dying because of stress.”

Dr. Nyakang’o listed exaggerated revenues and budgets and diversions of funds as a catalyst for the ballooning pending bills.

Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa posed: “How come the World Bank projects that are executed by the counties implemented by the counties have no pending bills?”

Dr. Nyakang’o responded: “There is a specific workplan which the county cannot divert from, they must do exactly what is in the workplan and they also have timelines, that if you will not have performed by a specific time, expenditure will be disallowed and you will be forced to return the money.”

Senator Ledama revealed that he had called for a forensic audit of Narok County books after discovering incidents of double requisitions

The committee also sought clarification on the legality of regional blocks funded by counties.

Osotsi, who is also the Vihiga Senator, asked: “How is it that you have been able to approve the funds from counties to these regional blocks and yet they are anchored in law?”

Dr. Nyakang’o responded: “Unless it is being done under the table, I do not remember approving funds for regional blocks. I have categorically asked them to obtain an opinion from the AG before we can move with those contributions, that is still in limbo.”

The Controller of Budget at the same time urged the Senate to fast-track proposed legislation to streamline operations of the office and entrench checks and balances.