Kenya's County Payment Crisis: Suppliers Cry Foul Over Delayed Funds

Nairobi, Kenya – June 3, 2025 – Delayed payments to suppliers by Kenyan counties are causing significant hardship, according to Simon Gichuki, Secretary General of the Association of Public Sector General Suppliers. In an interview on Spice FM, Gichuki highlighted the lack of accountability and the devastating impact on the livelihoods of countless suppliers. "This is what happens when you are in power," Gichuki stated, referencing the case of a jailed governor. "You have a cover, but power is transient. When power leaves, everything, including your friends, leaves you." Gichuki also pointed out that counties often operate with a lack of transparency, making it difficult to track payments and hold officials responsible. He called for stronger mechanisms to ensure timely payments and accountability, suggesting that the current system is failing suppliers and undermining the public sector. The issue is particularly concerning given the number of suppliers who remain unpaid for services rendered in previous years. This situation not only impacts individual businesses but also threatens the stability of the public sector supply chain. The interview on Spice FM serves as a crucial call for reform and transparency in county finances, ensuring that suppliers receive fair and timely compensation for their services.