The Controller of Budget has revealed that over half of money allocated to development, specifically Sh244 billion, was returned to Treasury in the last financial year, yet government suppliers and contractors are owed over Sh150 billion for the same period, for services rendered and certified as done.
I lost a friend two weeks ago for what some whispered could have been complications related to stress.
He was owed Sh10 million by parastatal and despite having completed all building works, a particular officer just refused to pay him unless he was given a hefty bribe. Although the officer was finally sacked, it was too late for my friend.
I shudder when I imagine what government contractors go through. You cannot just wish this away as “incapacity to absorb funds”. That statement, mostly used by bureaucrats, is a façade.
The story is that public officers in the chain could be demanding bribes too hefty for one to realise any profits for work done. And that is not even the biggest problem.
What unsettles one completely is refusal by public officers to award contracts till bribes are paid up front. That might also explain the funds returned to treasury.
This economic sabotage by public servants should be tackled before it is too late. I believe the government auditor should be asked by the President to audit this unspent money.
KARIUKI MUIRI, Karatina
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