- Machakos County has rejected comedian Sammy Kioko’s claim of a Ksh19 million unpaid contract.
- County officials say Kioko is not listed as a registered supplier or contractor in official records.
- Kioko insists the debt is linked to a staff uniform tender that affected his business.
- The dispute has intensified after his recent arrest during a protest outside county offices.
The Machakos County Government has firmly dismissed allegations by Sammy Kioko that he is owed millions in unpaid dues.
Speaking publicly, County Secretary Muya Ndambuki stated that internal records do not show any contractual link between the county and the comedian.
According to the county, only individuals or companies formally registered within its procurement system can be considered for payment. Officials maintained that Kioko’s name does not appear in any verified supplier documentation.
County leadership emphasised that it has an established system for settling outstanding bills. This includes a verified list of contractors and a structured payment plan based on factors such as when the debt was incurred and available funds.
They noted that delayed payments are a broader issue affecting both county and national governments, but insisted that all legitimate claims are documented and handled through official procedures.
Authorities also warned against using public platforms to push claims, urging affected parties to use legal and administrative channels instead.
Despite the county’s position, Kioko has continued to defend his claim. He says the dispute stems from an alleged tender involving the supply of staff uniforms.
The entertainer has spoken openly about the financial impact of the situation, revealing that the unpaid amount forced him to shut down parts of his fashion business. He also stated that he had to let go of employees and sell personal assets to stay afloat.
His case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about delayed payments to suppliers, a challenge that has affected many small businesses across Kenya in recent years.
