Mombasa: The Senate County Public Accounts Committee has issued a stern warning to governors over the ongoing failure to settle verified pending bills, describing the practice as illegal and detrimental to businesses and livelihoods across the country. Speaking at a committee retreat in Mombasa, CPAC chairperson Senator Moses Kajwang emphasized that counties have no legal discretion once pending bills are verified.

According to Kenya News Agency, Senator Kajwang highlighted that the Senate Finance Committee has already developed a framework, following a resolution moved last year by Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, to guide counties on clearing pending bills. The committee is awaiting the tabling of the Finance Committee report when the Senate resumes sittings.

"Pending bills form a first charge on county revenues once verified. Governors have no option under the law. Ideally, those bills should be paid before salaries," Kajwang stated. He also noted the severe economic and social consequences of delayed payments, including business closures and personal tragedies, citing a case in Kisumu where a contractor had taken their own life due to non-payment.

Kajwang warned that the committee would commence public interrogations of county audit reports next week, asserting that failure to prioritize pending bills while county leaders exhibited opulence was unacceptable. He acknowledged that some pending bills might be fraudulent but stressed the importance of clear verification mechanisms rather than blanket non-payment.

The meeting was attended by CPAC vice chairperson and Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Enoch Wambua, Deputy Whip Senator Edwin Sifuna, Senator Fatuma Dulo, and Senator Mwenda Gataya. On the issues of corruption and mismanagement, Kajwang pointed out that public discontent, particularly from young people during recent Gen Z-led protests, reflected widespread frustration with the mismanagement of public resources at the county level.

He stated, "Kenyans are tired of mismanagement, corruption and wastage in county governments." He mentioned that the committee is developing strategies to ensure accountability for officials found to have mismanaged devolved funds, emphasizing that devolution was intended to create opportunities and improve livelihoods.

Kajwang assured Kenyans that the committee would execute its oversight role without political interference, holding all 47 governors accountable regardless of party affiliation or region. He also noted modest improvements in some audit outcomes, citing Makueni County's clean audit opinion for the first time and commended Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

However, Kajwang expressed concern over adverse audit opinions issued to Kericho and Tana River counties, stating that the committee would summon officials from these counties to establish the causes and ensure public funds are protected.