MPs have reprimanded top National Treasury officials for
failing to appear before them to answer queries regarding a Sh30 billion debt
that power agencies owe Kenya Power for rural electrification projects.
The Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy,
chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, issued a stern warning to Treasury
Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, demanding his appearance this Tuesday or
face unspecified sanctions—including a potential vote of no confidence.
The lawmakers expressed frustration over the Treasury’s repeated
disregard for parliamentary summons, particularly when called to address audit
queries.
The committee’s session followed an audit report by Auditor
General Nancy Gathungu, which questioned why Kenya Power had not been
reimbursed for the electrification projects.
Additionally, the MPs sought answers on why the Treasury had
failed to release funds to power up 56 non-operational minigrids, most of which
are located in northern Kenya.
These minigrids remain idle due to a lack of batteries and
insufficient fuel storage to sustain power supply.
A Treasury official present at the meeting explained that PS
Kiptoo was still out of Nairobi but had engaged Energy PS Alex Wachira on
resolving the matter.
The official stated, "The PS is not back in Nairobi. He spoke
to Energy PS and has committed to support the Energy department within the
fiscal framework."
Energy PS Wachira explained, "He's unable to join us since
he's over work exigencies. He has given commitments, and for us, it's to read
our submissions and have Treasury compelled to act."
The excuses did little to appease the committee members, who
argued that the National Treasury was setting a bad precedent by its constant
snubs.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana fired back, "We acknowledge he has
spoken to you as his colleague but not the committee. He could have
communicated to the chairman. He cannot give directions on how Parliament
should conduct its business. If he is not going to appear, we'll summon him. We
cannot be controlled by civil servants."
Katana further criticised the lack of coordination among
government officials, remarking, "We needed no roundtable if the PSs were
talking as they claim. We called the roundtable because they are not working
together well."
Committee Chair Pkosing echoed the sentiment, questioning the
sudden urgency from the Treasury.
"If you people had solved this issue, there would be no
meeting. Why now? We know it is a game of musical chairs—that's why we are
here."
He said the non-cooperation by state agencies invited before it
will not be tolerated.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan emphasised the importance of having all
stakeholders present, stating, "It is critical for the players to be
around so that we help the different stakeholders make decisions and move on.
The problem is the boardroom affairs that affect decision-making. Parliament
cannot make one-legged decisions without the players."
Soy MP David Kiplagat took issue with the Treasury’s response,
particularly a two-page submission that he deemed inadequate.
"When the committee sits, it takes the power of the House.
Under which terms did he contemplate sending a representative yet he was the
one invited? His two-page submission cites some commercially viable... Return
this two-page document to the source. We don't run an enterprise to make a
profit."
In the two-page response MPs dismissed, Treasury said the balance
had been reduced to Sh25 billion and would be paid in phases for the next five
financial years.
“It may not be feasible to provide this amount through the
national budget due to tight fiscal space,” the document reads.
With tensions high, the committee stood firm on its ultimatum:
Treasury PS Kiptoo must appear before them by next Tuesday—or
face the consequences.
