Governor audits Sh1.2b bills as suppliers protest

Contractors and suppliers have been protesting over the delay to settle the bills, some going back to 2013. [iStockphoto]

Auditors are scrutinising over Sh1.2 billion pending bills to determine if they are genuine.

Governor Andrew Mwadime says his administration is also auditing county assets and staff to contain high wage bill.

"I'm still waiting for the auditor's report on the pending bills. Genuine contractors who provided goods and services will be paid their dues," said the Governor.

The verification of the pending bills comes at a time when the Executive is yet to table the supplementary budget for approval by the county assembly. But sources at the county treasury said most of the pending bills will be deferred to the next financial year (202/2023).

"If we pay the bills now other government operations will be badly affected," said the source.

Contractors and suppliers have been protesting over the delay to settle the bills, some going back to 2013.

One of the contractors, Jefferson Mwabili, claimed their payment vouchers had been interfered with, making it difficult for them to facilitate payment. "We are not getting the services we deserve due to bureaucracy in government. We do not know who to turn to now," said Mr Mwabili.

At the same time, the county is experiencing reduced revenue collection, which has affected the delivery of services.

Speaking in Voi town yesterday, the Governor blamed delay in the disbursement of funds by the National Treasury for the unpaid bills, adding that it has affected many operations.