Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has addressed concerns over pending supplier payments following a protest outside the county government offices that left one contractor hospitalized. The governor clarified the county’s position on payments and emphasized adherence to proper public finance procedures.
Governor Ndeti stated that Sammy Kioko is not a registered supplier of the Machakos County Government. She confirmed that the company responsible for supplying inspectorate uniforms was Movata Designs, and anyone claiming to represent the firm must present proper legal authorization, such as a power of attorney, formal company appointment, or representation through an advocate.
While Movata Designs did supply the uniforms, the delivery was partial towards the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, and inspection and acceptance could not be completed at that time. Consequently, the payment was classified as a pending bill, in line with public finance management procedures
Verification of Pending Bills
To ensure transparency, the county established a Pending Bills Committee and a Pending Bills Verification Committee, following recommendations from the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) and the Office of the Controller of Budget (OCoB). The committees reviewed inherited pending bills totaling Ksh3.8 billion, determining that Ksh2.1 billion was eligible for payment, while Ksh1.68 billion comprised ineligible claims. Ineligible claims included:
- Ksh927 million in unverified legal fees
- Ksh757 million in claims with incomplete documentation
Governor Ndeti said her administration has settled Ksh642 million of the eligible bills so far, leaving a balance of Ksh1.48 billion, which will be addressed through the first supplementary budget for the 2025/2026 financial year and subsequent budgets, depending on available resources.
Contractor Protest and Hospitalization
The contractor, Sammy Kioko, was admitted to the hospital on March 31 following an incident outside the county offices. Kioko had joined other suppliers and contractors in a protest over unpaid dues. Reports indicate that enforcement officers dispersed the protest, during which Kioko sustained injuries. Kioko, an entertainer and owner of Movata Fashion, claimed that his company supplied uniforms worth Ksh20 million during the 2023/2024 financial year but had only received Ksh20,000, evidence he says is supported by Mpesa transaction records. The protest had been organized a day earlier, with Kioko urging fellow suppliers to gather peacefully at the county headquarters to demand accountability and prompt payment.
Government Call for Calm
Governor Ndeti called for calm, emphasizing that the county is committed to transparent verification and settlement of eligible pending bills. She warned that claims must follow proper legal channels to be considered for payment. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in public procurement and supplier payments at the county level. While contractors demand timely settlements, county authorities stress adherence to verification processes to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of public funds.
