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Artisans who were awarded tenders to make desks for both primary and secondary schools may have to wait longer before they can receive cash owed to them by the government.

The desks  were made under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) to cushion local artisans  from adverse effects of Covid-19.

To date, not even the 50 per cent upfront payment has been made despite numerous promises by Government, which had set aside Sh1.9 billion for the project. 

National Treasury has now written to all National Sub-County Accountants, to verify details of the artisans before payment is made.

Accounting Services and Quality Assurance, Director General Bernard Ndungu, said in a letter dated December 1, that county accountants should assist and offer services to Ministry of Education as guided by the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act 2012 and PFM Regulations 2015.

Necessary documents

“After consultation with the ministry, it has been agreed that you participate in the inspection and acceptance committees together with other members.

Consequently, County Directors of Education, who are Authority to Incur Expenditure holders  will prepare the payment vouchers and attach all the necessary documents for onward transmission to the Ministry of Education headquarters for processing and payments,” said Ndungu.

He also urged the county accountants to inspect and verify that they are prepared correctly and are in order before payment vouchers are forwarded.