KNCCI applauds gov't move to settle pending bills, calls for county action

Speaking on Thursday, the President of the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Erick Rutto highlighted that this initiative would provide much-needed liquidity to the economy, describing it as the most effective way to directly boost people's finances.

He also urged County governments to take similar action and settle their debts to suppliers who have been struggling under mounting financial pressures, including threats from creditors, auctioneers, and collapsing businesses.

While addressing a gathering of business leaders and stakeholders during a meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming World Chamber Federation (WCF) Africa Summit, which will take place from April 9-11, 2025, Dr. Rutto unveiled plans to create monitoring teams to track pending bills in Nairobi County.

“We need a dedicated team of contractors and service suppliers in Nairobi to establish a tracking system for pending bills. It’s essential to verify the accuracy of the figures provided and oversee the payment process. We want to ensure the process is fair and transparent, whether it’s ‘first in, last out,’ or the other way around," said Dr. Rutto.

"I’ve instructed the Chairman of the Nairobi Chapter to select about 800 contractors from the total of 4,700 to form a strong team that will keep a close watch on how tenders are awarded and how payments are managed.” 

Dr. Rutto further stated that the private sector is ready to collaborate with Nairobi County in efforts to restore the city’s former beauty by supporting cleaning and sanitation efforts.

“As the private sector, we are willing to assist in the city’s cleanliness efforts by providing the necessary equipment and personnel,” he said.

The Cabinet recently approved the payment pending bills of up to Ksh.10 million, which represents 95 percent of the verified pending bills owed to suppliers.

95 per cent of the Ksh.206 billion that was cleared by Cabinet for settlement is made up of small enterprises owed below Ksh.10 million.

According to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi  the pending bills will be catered for in the current financial year.