Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for continuous efforts to clear the massive pending bills that county governments owe, warning that this debt accumulation hampers service delivery and affects the confidence of businesses reliant on government contracts.
Addressing the impact of pending bills on governance
In a statement emphasizing the importance of financial discipline, Kindiki highlighted the need for counties to prioritize clearing their debts. These pending bills, which total Sh34.46 billion, threaten to undermine effective governance and erode public trust.
Significant strides have been made in implementing the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) resolution aimed at settling these debts. Nonetheless, Kindiki stresses that counties must sustain their efforts to address these legitimate liabilities promptly.
He further warned that unresolved pending bills impair government credibility and have a ripple effect, negatively affecting private sector activities and economic stability within the counties.
As counties work towards clearing these debts, the role of transparent and accountable financial management becomes crucial in fostering economic growth and enhancing government service delivery.
