The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a compelling plea to County governments and parastatal institutions to accelerate the settlement of pending bills for 2022/3 financial year.

During the 22nd Ordinary Session of Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council, Gachagua explained that timely fund disbursements is fundamental to economic growth. He promised to pay the pending bills timely and said that late settlements have a negative impact on companies.

We should not have the arrears in bills for last financial year. Prompt payments of goods and services will liberate funds to our business people hence stimulating growth even for Hustler nation, Gachagua said emphasizing importance.”

The Council of Governors has also been out there about the unresolved issue on delay in release, which translates to a huge backlog Sh81 billion owed from November 2023 until January 19th, Gachagua reiterated their worries and emphasized the need for tackling this increasing wage bill in Kenya.

Corruption is a major peril to both levels of government. Therefore, let us join forces in ensuring that mechanisms are put in place and implemented for monitoring the use of public resources towards procurement and expenditure so as within the due limit by law,” Gachagua said focusing efforts on transparently showing where revenues from each level have been used.

The Deputy President equally appreciated the governors for their cooperation in undertaking government projects and promised to reinforce vital value chains. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the national government and devolved units to fulfill Bottom-Up agenda.