"We're Boarding Matatus" Nairobi MCA's Decry Cash Crunch Gives Sakaja 24-Hour Ultimatum to Release KSh 282m Allowances

Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have given Governor Johnson Sakaja a 24-hour ultimatum to release their pending allowances. 

The MCAs claim that the county government owes them KSh 282 million, which has accumulated over the past year. 

This delay, they argue, has made it difficult for them to perform their duties effectively.

Led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, the ward representatives expressed frustration, accusing the county government of sabotaging their oversight roles. 

The MCAs revealed that some of them have been forced to use their personal savings or borrow money to attend committee sessions and write reports. 

They further complained about resorting to public transport due to financial constraints, which they believe undermines their ability to serve residents.

The allowances in question include KSh 10.5 million for domestic travel, KSh 17 million for foreign travel, KSh 20.3 million for office imprest for county offices, and KSh 9.6 million for MCAs’ office operations. 

Additionally, they are demanding KSh 37 million in other allowances and KSh 28 million for contributions to the Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPFUND).

The MCAs blamed the Finance Executive, Charles Kerich, for failing to address the matter and called on the county government to release the funds immediately. 

“We are giving the executive 24 hours to settle all pending allowances,” Imwatok said.

This standoff comes at a time when the county government has received KSh 9.6 billion from the Exchequer for the current financial year, including KSh 3.3 billion in the last month. 

However, the MCAs questioned the administration’s priorities, pointing out that KSh 300 million has been paid to law firms for pending bills while genuine suppliers and their allowances remain unpaid.

The MCAs also criticized the poor communication from senior county officials, including Governor Sakaja. 

Speaker Ken Ngondi claimed that the governor has not been responding to calls, while Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo accused county ministers of avoiding direct calls, only communicating via WhatsApp.

The MCAs vowed to take action if the issue is not resolved promptly, warning of potential impeachment of finance officers.