Counties committed to settling pending bills

Counties face ineligible pending bills of more than 108 billion shillings of the total pending bills of 155 billion shillings, according to the Auditor General. 

The Auditor General said County Executives and County Assemblies have 107 billion shillings and 1 billion shillings as ineligible pending bills, respectively. 

The Auditor General, however, added that County Executives face an eligible pending bill of Ksh 45.5 billion while the County Assemblies have Ksh 1.9 billion in their books. 

The Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o says the huge amount has partly been contributed by suppliers. 

Ms Nyakang’o was speaking during the 16th Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) held at the Karen Residence of the Deputy President. 

The meeting, which was chaired by Deputy President William Ruto, heard that the bills will no longer be a challenge to counties following the adoption of a radical plan by the Council. 

The National Treasury and the Attorney General must now consult so that a way forward is established on the Sh108 billion ineligible pending bills. pic.twitter.com/xPtyFHj89c

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 5, 2022

The Council resolved that Counties will set realistic own source revenue targets to check budget deficits. Dr Ruto said progress had been made on the issue of pending bills but more efforts needed to be done.

Council of Governors Chairman Martin Wambora noted that counties were committed to honoring their eligible obligations as long as they get funds from the Treasury.