Governor Njuki's government says it won’t pay Sh342m pending bills

Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki says he will implement the audit report on debts left by the previous county administration. PHOTO |FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • After thorough scrutiny of the documents submitted, coupled with field visits, the committee has recommended payment of Sh245 million, which is 42 per cent of Sh587 million.

  • Governor Muthomi Njuki said accumulation of bills marred the former county team led by Mr Samuel Ragwa.

  • Lack of proof of delivery of goods and services, undone work, poor documentation, lack of certificates for work claimed to have been done, among others, were reasons cited for not recommending payment of the Sh342 million debt.

Tharaka-Nithi County government will not pay Sh342 million, which is part of Sh1.07 billion of pending bills, inherited from the previous regime.

An audit report released on Friday at Kathwana county headquarters revealed that the sum is part of Sh587 million owed to suppliers, contractors, lawyers and unpaid subsistence allowances for staff.

“After thorough scrutiny of the documents submitted, coupled with field visits, the committee has recommended payment of Sh245 million, which is 42 per cent of Sh587 million,” said Mr Nganga Munyu, leader of a team that audited the inherited debt. Mr Munyu is also the county economic advisor. The audit team said Sh483 million of the debt, 45 per cent, is not in dispute and entails unremitted statutory deductions, gratuity and salaries.

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Mr Munyu said that Sh109 million was for nurses’ salaries withheld during last year’s prolonged strike by health workers.

Governor Muthomi Njuki said accumulation of bills marred the former county team led by Mr Samuel Ragwa. He said he would implement the audit report.

“My government will implement the committee’s recommendations to avoid pending bills in future,” he said.

In the 670-page report, lack of proof of delivery of goods and services, undone work, poor documentation, lack of certificates for work claimed to have been done, among others, were reasons cited for not recommending payment of the Sh342 million debt.

The committee also identified procurement irregularities, poor record keeping, and poor management of vehicles, irregular staff recruitment and promotions as other issues which could have largely contributed to the pending bills.

ALLEGED FRAUD

In addition, the committee recommended investigation of a number of people, departments and companies over alleged fraud.

Governor Muthomi Njuki said accumulation of unremitted deductions, promotion arrears, unpaid salaries and allowances marred the former county government led by his predecessor Mr Samuel Ragwa.

“I want to assure the residents of Tharaka Nithi County that my government will implement the recommendations of the committee to avoid pending bills in future,” said Mr Njuki.

Upper Eastern Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) coordinator Ignatius Wekesa said the report will be used in their ongoing investigations.

He warned government employees charged with the responsibility of managing public resources against embezzlement.

PROSECUTION

Mr Wekesa noted that young people employed by county governments are accumulating wealth in a very short period, raising a lot of questions.

“In very short period, very young people employed in counties drive expensive vehicles that dos not match their earnings,” said Mr Wekesa.

Mr Wekesa said upon completion of ongoing investigations, the commission will start recovering properties earned irregularly.

National government spokesperson, Mr Eric Kiraithe, who attended the function asked EACC to stop empty threats but to arrest and prosecute government officers for stealing public money.