Wavinya Ndeti promises fair payment of verified pending bills to Machakos suppliers

Suppliers in Machakos County have been assured that the county government is committed to settling all verified pending bills in a transparent and structured manner.

Speaking during an annual prize-giving day and 60^th anniversary celebration at Matungulu Girls Senior School on Wednesday, Governor Wavinya Ndeti said her administration has already made significant progress in clearing inherited financial obligations while putting in place systems to ensure accountability and fiscal discipline.

The governor noted that upon assuming office, the county established a Pending Bills Verification Committee following recommendations from the Office of the Auditor-General and the Office of the Controller of Budget. 

The committee was tasked with reviewing inherited pending bills totalling Sh3.81 billion to determine their legitimacy and completeness.

According to the verification exercise, Sh2.13 billion was confirmed as eligible and payable, while Sh1.68 billion was deemed ineligible due to unverified legal fees and claims supported by incomplete documentation.

Governor Ndeti said that since taking office, her administration has already settled Sh642.3 million from the verified historical pending bills, leaving a balance of Sh1.48 billion, which will be addressed through the First Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2025/2026 and subsequent budgets.

She further revealed that within the last seven months of the current financial year (2025/2026), the county has paid Sh1.39 billion in pending bills, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to restoring fiscal discipline and honouring legitimate obligations.

On current financial year liabilities amounting to Sh1.96 billion, the governor explained that part of the amount has already been processed under a first-charge arrangement, while other portions have been factored into the upcoming supplementary budget and the 2026/2027 budget estimates.

Governor Ndeti emphasized that all verified claims will be settled in line with public finance regulations, including the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle to ensure fairness among suppliers.

She also noted that counties rely on disbursements from the national government, and delays in these releases have occasionally slowed payment timelines across the country.

The governor reassured suppliers that the county government values them as key partners in development and remains committed to honouring all legitimate obligations.

“Government is a perpetual institution, and all verified claims will be settled in due course,” she said, adding that her administration remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management.