Down the drain: Auctioneers harass traders over unpaid loans

Many suppliers have undergone financial distress after supplying goods and services to counties but have not been paid. [iStockphoto]

Maryanne (name withheld) secured a tender to supply office stationery and computers in Bungoma county two years ago under the youth category. Being a first-timer, she went for a bank loan of Sh1.5 million and made the supplies, hoping to get paid in a month's time, repay the loan and then walk away with Sh700,000 as profit.

"After being awarded the tender, I delivered the supplies within 10 days but trouble started when it came to processing payments. By the time all the documents were signed, two months had passed and that only happened after parting with Sh50,000," said Ms Atieno.