The issue of pending bills in Kenya’s counties has become a significant concern for businesses and local governments. Pending bills refer to payments that county governments owe to contractors, suppliers, and service providers. As of 2023, these bills have accumulated, impacting local economies, contractors, and county operations. The largest contributor to this backlog is Nairobi County, while smaller counties such as Elgeyo Marakwet and Nyeri have significantly lower amounts in pending bills.
Pending bills have a ripple effect on local businesses, causing cash flow problems, layoffs, and even closures in some cases. Contractors who provide essential services like construction, health equipment, or general supplies often face difficulties getting paid, despite completing their work. Many stakeholders have raised concerns that the government needs to address this issue to support businesses and maintain investor confidence.
The Auditor General of Kenya, along with the Treasury, has been urging counties to clear their debts and prioritize paying their pending bills. Failure to do so not only disrupts services but also violates procurement regulations and undermines Kenya’s economic growth. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of how much each county in Kenya owes in pending bills as of the latest reports.
Full List of Pending Bills by County
| No. | County | Pending Bills (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nairobi | 118,440,282,648 |
| 2 | Kiambu | 6,488,269,498 |
| 3 | Mombasa | 4,440,572,242 |
| 4 | Machakos | 4,199,480,185 |
| 5 | Bungoma | 3,521,216,486 |
| 6 | Kisumu | 3,147,399,814 |
| 7 | Kajiado | 2,442,973,689 |
| 8 | Kisii | 2,370,505,561 |
| 9 | Wajir | 2,330,317,671 |
| 10 | Mandera | 2,226,355,164 |
| 11 | Kwale | 2,133,588,127 |
| 12 | Tana River | 2,125,117,944 |
| 13 | Kakamega | 1,819,665,853 |
| 14 | Embu | 1,816,290,930 |
| 15 | Taita-Taveta | 1,756,525,121 |
| 16 | Laikipia | 1,648,049,391 |
| 17 | Vihiga | 1,466,280,047 |
| 18 | Murang’a | 1,460,594,862 |
| 19 | Busia | 1,420,592,427 |
| 20 | Trans Nzoia | 1,282,360,141 |
| 21 | Kilifi | 1,218,557,792 |
| 22 | Kericho | 1,134,713,695 |
| 23 | Marsabit | 1,126,045,779 |
| 24 | Isiolo | 1,123,669,297 |
| 25 | Nakuru | 1,102,478,645 |
| 26 | Migori | 864,390,028 |
| 27 | Narok | 764,639,834 |
| 28 | Uasin Gishu | 751,822,188 |
| 29 | Turkana | 749,858,462 |
| 30 | Tharaka-Nithi | 740,963,860 |
| 31 | Homa Bay | 739,120,512 |
| 32 | Makueni | 672,044,195 |
| 33 | Meru | 586,823,947 |
| 34 | Kirinyaga | 581,246,055 |
| 35 | West Pokot | 518,080,980 |
| 36 | Bomet | 448,767,847 |
| 37 | Kitui | 393,976,787 |
| 38 | Garissa | 377,940,248 |
| 39 | Baringo | 369,250,531 |
| 40 | Siaya | 303,909,780 |
| 41 | Nyandarua | 295,163,707 |
| 42 | Samburu | 210,978,498 |
| 43 | Nandi | 177,970,161 |
| 44 | Nyamira | 142,231,422 |
| 45 | Lamu | 39,534,564 |
| 46 | Nyeri | 7,393,013 |
| 47 | Elgeyo Marakwet | 1,492,200 |
Key Takeaways
- Nairobi leads in pending bills: Nairobi County, being the capital, owes a staggering KSh 118.44 billion in unpaid bills, dwarfing all other counties. This amount is significant, considering the county’s influence on Kenya’s overall economic activities.
- Major contributors: Kiambu and Mombasa follow with KSh 6.49 billion and KSh 4.44 billion, respectively. Counties like Machakos, Bungoma, and Kisumu also have pending bills in the billions.
- Smaller counties with pending bills: On the lower end, counties such as Lamu (KSh 39.5 million) and Nyeri (KSh 7.4 million) have fewer pending bills. Elgeyo Marakwet has the least amount, owing only KSh 1.49 million.
Effects of Pending Bills
- Impact on Local Businesses: The delay in payments has adversely affected local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), that rely on county contracts. These businesses face severe cash flow challenges, leading to downsizing, inability to pay employees, and in some cases, closure.
- Stalled Development Projects: Many counties have halted ongoing construction, infrastructure, and service delivery projects, which directly affects the economic development of these regions.
- Erosion of Public Trust: The inability of counties to honor their financial commitments has also eroded public trust, both in county administrations and in the devolved system of government.
Government Response
In recent years, the Kenyan government has initiated measures to address the backlog of pending bills. The National Treasury has issued several directives, requiring counties to prioritize paying off their debts. Furthermore, counties have been encouraged to enhance their revenue collection and optimize their expenditures to minimize the accumulation of pending bills in the future.
Pending bills remain a critical issue for county governments in Kenya, affecting economic growth, job creation, and the delivery of essential services. As these debts continue to mount, counties must find sustainable ways to clear them to foster economic stability and regain the trust of the business community. With Nairobi’s staggering figure and many other counties facing billions in debt, the resolution of this issue will require concerted efforts by both the national and county governments.
If you’re a contractor, business owner, or a concerned citizen, stay updated on your county’s fiscal responsibility and push for accountability to ensure the pending bill crisis is adequately addressed.
