Nairobi County Standoff: MCAs Demand Immediate Payment of Allowances

By Shadrack Nyakoe

Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to release Ksh 282 million in allowances that have been pending for over a year.

Led by Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, the MCAs accused the executive of undermining their oversight role through deliberate financial sabotage.

They expressed frustration over having to use personal savings or borrow money for official retreats and report-writing sessions. Some MCAs even resorted to using public transport to attend plenary and committee meetings.

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 across county offices and staff, Ksh 9.6 million for MCA office imprests, Ksh 37 million in sitting allowances, and Ksh 28 million for LAPFUND contributions.

Imwatok called on Finance Executive Charles Kerich to release the funds immediately.

“We are giving the executive 24 hours to release the funds without further delay,” declared Imwatok who is also the Ward Representative for Makongeni.

The county government reportedly received Ksh 3.3 billion from the exchequer in the past month, bringing the total disbursed for the current financial year to Ksh 9.6 billion.

However, the MCAs raised concerns that Ksh 300 million had been paid to law firms as pending bills, sidelining genuine suppliers.

During the session, frustrations about communication challenges with senior officials were also aired. The MCAs claimed Governor Sakaja was not answering calls from Speaker Ken Ngondi, while County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Chief Officers were only reachable via WhatsApp.

Some MCAs warned of potential impeachment motions against senior finance officers if their grievances are not addressed promptly.