Meru County to pay Sh2billion it owes contractors and suppliers

The Meru County government will release Sh2 billion owed to contractors and suppliers.

This comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta in December last year directed the Auditor General to verify the Sh108 billion counties owe suppliers and contractors.

Addressing the media at the county headquarters, Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntunciu, also the Finance executive, said the delays for payments were caused by the system the National Treasury was using to channel funds to counties.

Ntunciu, who was with officials from the office of the Auditor General, said the money will be released in two weeks, and those audited will be fully paid their dues.

“Officials from the office of the Auditor General have been here for the last two weeks carrying out an exercise ordered by the President regarding pending bills, which have been a problem in the entire country,” he said.

Submission of claims

The deputy governor said they had asked the suppliers to submit their claims, which were scrutinised by the team appointed by the Auditor General.

He asked the Auditor General to advise the Treasury on the timelines to release funds to the counties to avoid derailing projects.

“The pending bills have been a problem all over the country due to the delays by the Treasury. We urge the Auditor General to make a recommendation to the Treasury to be releasing finances in good time,” Ntuchiu said.

Last year, companies that had provided goods and services to Meru County had threatened to take legal action against Governor Kiraitu Murungi.