The MCAs pointed out that the executive had received Sh3.3 billion from the national exchequer in October alone, with an additional Sh9.6 billion allocated for the 2024-2025 financial year. The legislators were particularly upset that despite these substantial funds, their allowances remained unpaid
Members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) have issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to release Sh282.8 million in outstanding allowances owed to the assembly. The lawmakers, led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, expressed frustration on Tuesday over what they described as the executive’s deliberate withholding of funds, which they claim is hindering their oversight duties.
The MCAs voiced their concerns, revealing that many have been pushed into financial distress, with some even resorting to borrowing money to cover personal expenses due to the unpaid arrears. Imwatok highlighted the severe impact on the health of ward representatives, noting that the executive had also neglected insurance payments.
“We are dealing with a serious issue here, Mr. Speaker. The health of our members is at risk because the executive has failed to pay for their insurance, and they have not provided any explanation for this delay,” Imwatok said.
He went on to detail the breakdown of the Sh282.8 million owed, which includes various categories of unpaid allowances, such as:
- Sh58.9 million for domestic allowances
- Sh20.4 million for office imprest
- Sh9.6 million for county staff imprest
- Sh38.8 million for the County Assemblies Sports Association (CASA)
- Sh28.2 million for Laptrust
- Sh65.9 million for October salaries
- Sh11.8 million for ward staff salaries
- Sh14.4 million for hotel expenses
- Sh4.5 million for air tickets
- Sh7.8 million for legal services
- Sh4.6 million for insurance
Imwatok accused the executive of undermining the assembly’s legislative processes by intentionally delaying the payments. He suggested the possibility of adjourning the afternoon session to address the matter more thoroughly.
“We cannot sit idle while members suffer. Some have even had to borrow money for trips. If the funds are not released within the next 24 hours, we will be forced to take further action,” he warned.
The MCAs pointed out that the executive had received Sh3.3 billion from the national exchequer in October alone, with an additional Sh9.6 billion allocated for the 2024-2025 financial year. The legislators were particularly upset that despite these substantial funds, their allowances remained unpaid.
The delay has also affected the office of the Speaker, with Imwatok stressing that the House cannot even afford travel tickets for official duties. “It is shameful that the Speaker has to borrow money to attend official functions. We need to ask ourselves, what is happening in this county?” he remarked.
Rex Omolleh, MCA for Nairobi West, painted a dire picture, revealing that some ward representatives are struggling to afford fuel for their vehicles. “We’ve been covering the costs of committee sittings and report writing out of our own pockets. Some members are even borrowing money just to pay for transport,” Omolleh said.
Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi assured the House that his office had already reached out to the executive regarding the matter. “The Majority Leader will continue to follow up on this issue. Both my office and the Clerk’s office have written to the executive, but that’s as far as we can go at this point,” he said.
In a final push for action, the MCAs issued the 24-hour ultimatum to Charles Kerich, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Finance, demanding the immediate release of the funds. “We are giving the executive one last chance to settle these dues. If they fail to act, we will have no choice but to escalate the matter,” Imwatok declared.
With tensions running high, all eyes are now on the Nairobi County executive to see whether they will meet the MCAs’ demands or face further backlash from the assembly.
