Lawyers demand lion share of Sh1.5 billion county debt

Lawyers who have represented the county in cases since 2013 are demanding Sh210 million from Kajiado county.

The amount is more than the money owed to contractors in the Water and Agriculture and Livestock sectors, the backbone of the county’s economy.

Two of the law firms probed by a special committee formed by governor Joseph Ole Lenku last month are for instance demanding Sh175m.

The legal fees are now a subject of concern by the Pending Bills Probe Committee which recommended restructuring of the Legal department to check the skyrocketing fees.

The Medical Services and Public Health department owes contractors Sh431m. The department’s bills range from construction and renovation of hospitals, supply of drugs and purchase of medical equipment.

Following closely is the Roads and Public Works department whose roads and bridges contractors are owed Sh352 million for works done  in the various wards.

The Water department owes contractors Sh148 million while the Trade and Investments department owes  contractors and suppliers Sh28 million, according to the committee’s report.

The report handed to the governor on June 21 recommended a “total restructuring” of the finance and procurement departments as well as the overhaul of the IFMIS section.