Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed allegations by the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o that the Nairobi County Government spent zero cash on development projects.
Sakaja, on Thursday, December 5, defended himself stating that during the first quarter of the current financial year between July and September, the National Treasury did not disburse any funds to his county.
The governor explained that the county government received its first disbursement on September 3 after a long wait that he claimed disrupted service delivery.
According to Sakaja, despite delayed disbursement, the county government relied on its own-source revenue to cater for most county’s operations including maintenance services and salary payments.
An aerial view of Nairobi City
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Nairobi City Marathon
He further noted that in the last five months, his administration spent Ksh844,184,930 on development projects, including markets, sports facilities, roads, solid waste management, and emergency services.
“Development payments are made at different stages of project implementation, once contractors have raised certificates. Total development payments made so far is Ksh844,184,930,” Sakaja explained.
“Several other projects are ongoing throughout the wards and are at different stages before being eligible for payment. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the people of this great city,” he added.
On Wednesday, December 4, the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o released a report detailing expenditures by counties between July and September this year.
According to the Nyakang’o’s report, Nairobi County was among the ten counties placed on the spot for allegedly spending zero shillings on development projects.
Further, the report highlighted Nairobi county as the leading in pending bills with Ksh121 billion of the unsettled bills, followed by Garissa which had Ksh6 billion in pending bills.
Meanwhile, besides Nairobi, other counties that also spent zero cash on development projects, according to the CoB included Kajiado, Baringo, Lamu, Uasin Gishu, and West Pokot.
On the other hand, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and his Narok Counterpart Patrick Ole Ntutu spend the most funds on development projects. According to the report, Kirinyaga spent Ksh477 billion while Narok spent Ksh378 billion.
Kirinyaga County boss and Council of Governors chairperson Anne Waiguru at a past event.
Anne Waiguru