Kisumu hoteliers threaten to withdraw services over Sh100m debts

Led by the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Western Region Chair William Orondo, the hoteliers have now threatened to withdraw services until they receive their full payment.PHOTO: COURTESY

Hoteliers in Kisumu are demanding Sh100 million from county governments in the Western region.

Led by the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers Western Region Chair William Orondo, the hoteliers have now threatened to withdraw services until they receive their full payment.

They have further revealed that one of the counties owes various hotels Sh30 million for services offered two years ago.

“These counties have a tendency of taking credit in a rotational way. After acquiring debts, they seek services from hotels,” noted Orondo.

He continued: “It is either the county systems are flawed, or someone is just not doing their job well.”Jumuia Hotel’s Manager Emmanuel Waya said one county owes them Sh2 million. He said it seems they are playing a losing game since whenever they ask about payment they are always told to resend invoices.

“At this rate, we may stop serving counties that owe us because we are really inconvenienced. We are desperate because we also need to pay our suppliers within 60 days,” he said.

Sovereign Hotel’s Guest Relations Manager Caroline Ayugi said the county owes them about Sh1.2 million. “It is not clear where to take some of these invoices. Even with Limited Purchase Orders, there is still no payment,” she said.

Western Kenya Hospitality Leaders Association Chairman Robinson Anyal has on the other hand blamed procurement procedures for the delayed payments.

County Executive Committee Member for Commerce, Tourism and Heritage Dr Rose Kisia has assured the hoteliers that her office will follow up the issue.