Trading with the national and county governments calls for shrewdness, courage and lots of money.
If you have a weak heart and shallow pockets, it is not the place to venture as it might lead to your early grave.
In fact, trading with the two levels of government could easily have made it to the popular TV series 1000 Ways to Die.
Latest data from the Controller of Budget shows that the national government, counties and parastatals owe suppliers Sh700 billion.
Many have been auctioned on account of loans they took to service the tenders while others are on treatment for high blood pressure, diabetes and other stress-related diseases on account of the broken promises.
The pending bills to suppliers are just but a segment of other outstanding dues like Sacco deductions, unremitted staff loan deductions and pension arrears.
The total amount if released would greatly boost individuals, households and firms.
The concern is that the outstanding amount is budgeted for annually and orders made from the highest office that the payments should be cleared but it all turns out to be a public relations exercise.
It is said that even if one was to be paid, they must be ready to part with 30 percent of the owed sum.
The government must decisively deal with the long-standing issue of pending bills to restore confidence in suppliers.
Quote of the Day: “There’s man all over for you, blaming on his boots the faults of his feet.”
Samuel Beckett
The Irish novelist and playwright (Waiting for Godot, Nobel 1969) was born on April 13, 1906
