Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu is to blame for the delay in paying claims worth Sh3.35 billion owed to over 1,000 small businesses and media houses that did business with the county government.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard yesterday that the bills were to be paid during the 2019/20 financial year but were carried forward to the 2020/21 financial year due to lack of funds.

A document tabled before the committee by State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua revealed that the amount includes Sh7.17 million owed to the Kenya Airport Parking Services (KAPS).

“The money is there. We are making the suppliers suffer for nothing because the county governor has not authorised the withdrawal. Some have closed their businesses,” he said.

Mbugua, who was representing the Office of the President, had appeared before the committee to respond to audit queries  raised by the Auditor-General.

Mbugua told the committee chaired by Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, that the Nairobi Metropolitan Services would have paid the money, but this has not been possible because Kananu is required to authorise the payment with the approval of the City County Assembly. 

The committee directed that the bills be cleared before the August 9, 2022 general election.