Mystery of Sh37 billion debts choking counties

Health workers in Nyeri County took on the street to protest delayed better working conditions and promotions as the strikes enter second week on August 25, 2015. [PHOTO:KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD].

County governments were holding Sh37.46 billion in pending bills owed to its employees, contractors and suppliers by the close of the 2014/15 financial year.

In a statement that further raises questions on financial prudence employed by county governments, Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo paints a picture of devolved units that are on a spree to award tenders even in situations where there is no guarantee of budgetary allocations.