Over 150 individuals who supplied various food and non-food items to 10 prisons in six counties in the North Region have called on the government to pay them Ksh129 million worth of supplies and services rendered to the correctional facilities.
Naftal Kironji, one of the suppliers based in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County says despite honouring their part of the bargain, they have been making claims for payments from the government for the last two years without success.
“Some of us risk losing our assets because we took bank loans to do business and we are yet to receive payments from the Ministry of Interior. We plead with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to intervene so that we can remain afloat in business,” Kironji said.
According to a four-page financial statement in our possession, Eldoret Main Prison in Uasin Gishu County is yet to pay Ksh52,530,805 to 57 business people and companies.
Further, Kapenguria Prison in West Pokot County owes 10 suppliers a total of Ksh26 million while Ngeria Farm prison in Uasin Gishu County owes Ksh10 million to 18 entrepreneurs and companies.
A total of 50 suppliers and service providers are demanding Ksh8.7 million from Kitale Medium Prison, Ksh7.9 million from Kitale Main Prison, Ksh6.7 million from the Kitale Annex Prison as well as Ksh565,000 from Kitale Women Prison – all in Trans Nzoia County.
In addition, 14 businesses are demanding Ksh 8.2 million from the Nandi County-based Kapsabet prison.
Six business people are also claiming 938,564 shillings from the Eldama Ravine Prison. Kabarnet Prison owes Ksh763,180 to four business people and companies. The two correctional facilities are in Baringo County.
