Ministries have up to end month to settle pending bills of Sh450 billion

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai (center), his wife Sarah Tunai (left) and Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku at Narok Stadium yesterday. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed ministries and government agencies to settle pending bills that do not have audit queries by June 30.

The national government has more than Sh350 billion pending bills for contractors and suppliers. 

Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Narok Stadium, yesterday, the Head of State noted that the pending bills have soured relations between investors and the government.

“This has also reduced overall spending and business activity in our economy. To alleviate this situation, I hereby direct that all accounting officers to settle all pending payments that do not have audit queries before the end of the current financial year on June 30."

The President further ordered county governments to clear pending bills that have hit the Sh100 billion mark.

The Head of State was responding to complaints by contractors and suppliers of national and county governments over pending bills.

“Going forward, and in line with our policy to promote the local industry and enterprise, Buy Kenya Build Kenya, I direct that all payments for supplies made to national and county governments be processed and made promptly and on priority basis," Kenyatta said.

The President also directed that all consolidated cargo be inspected at the port of origin following uproar over delays by small and medium size traders.

He told Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority and Kenya Bureau of Standards to only inspect goods at port of entry which they suspect do not conform to standards.

The President regretted that implementation of the Housing Fund Levy is facing legal hurdles.