The government has expressed its commitment to prioritize the settlement of genuine public sector pending bills as a vital step in the forthcoming government budget.

President William Ruto underscored the significance of addressing this longstanding issue in a fair and just manner during his address at State House in Nairobi.

"We must restore confidence in the people who do business with the Government by paying them in time," President Ruto emphasized.

He highlighted the necessity to rectify the situation, emphasizing that the government's role is not to drive enterprises into ruin but to support and enhance their performance.

The President stressed the potential economic impact of this action, indicating that it would infuse vital capital back into production and stimulate economic resurgence.

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He emphasized the importance of timely payments in bolstering the country's fiscal discipline, further highlighting the accrued benefits from prompt settlements.

In a significant move towards this initiative, President Ruto presided over the inauguration of the Pending Bills Verification Committee at the State House in Nairobi.

The committee, chaired by former Auditor-General Edward Ouko, will play a pivotal role in the examination and resolution of pending bills.

President Ruto brought attention to the substantial outstanding dues owed by the Government to its suppliers, predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises, amounting to more than Sh600 Billion.

Emphasizing the importance of timely payments, he highlighted the impact it would have on the country's fiscal management, bringing about a sense of financial discipline.

“When we pay in time, we will bring discipline in our country’s fiscal management," Ruto affirmed.

The event was attended by various high-ranking officials, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and several Permanent Secretaries.

The commitment made by the government to address pending bills not only signifies a step towards revitalizing the economy but also reflects a dedication to fostering a more supportive environment for businesses engaging with the public sector.

This move aims to not only resolve past dues but also to pave the way for a more robust and reliable financial system.