Parliament has issued a stern warning to the National Treasury over a Sh30 billion debt owed to Kenya Power for rural electrification projects, accusing top officials of repeatedly snubbing summons and failing to address audit concerns.
The Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy, chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, expressed outrage after Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo failed to appear for a scheduled session, sending a representative instead. The lawmakers have now demanded Kiptoo appear before them on Tuesday or face unspecified sanctions, including a possible vote of no confidence.
The dispute stems from an audit report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, which flagged the Treasury for failing to reimburse Kenya Power for the projects and for withholding funds needed to operationalise 56 idle minigrids mostly in northern Kenya due to a lack of batteries and sufficient fuel storage.
Treasury’s representative told MPs that PS Kiptoo was out of Nairobi but had discussed the matter with Energy PS Alex Wachira, promising to support the Energy ministry within the fiscal framework. However, MPs dismissed the explanation, accusing the Treasury of setting a bad precedent by ignoring Parliament.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana criticised the lack of direct communication, saying, “We cannot be controlled by civil servants. If he is not going to appear, we’ll summon him.” Committee chair Pkosing accused the Treasury of playing “musical chairs” with the issue, while Eldas MP Adan Keynan stressed that all stakeholders must be present for meaningful decision-making.
Soy MP David Kiplagat also rejected a two-page Treasury submission as inadequate. The document indicated the debt had been reduced to Sh25 billion and would be settled in phases over the next five financial years, citing limited fiscal space.
MPs insisted that the delays were unacceptable, given the economic and social impact of stalled electrification projects in rural and marginalised areas. The committee warned that non-cooperation from state agencies would not be tolerated, signalling an escalating standoff between Parliament and the Treasury.
The showdown now hinges on whether PS Kiptoo will appear before the committee next week to provide a comprehensive plan for settling the debt and unlocking stalled power projects.
