NAIROBI, Kenya – Members of Parliament have been locked out of their offices at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) due to unpaid rent amounting to more than Sh50 million.
The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) confirmed the standoff in a letter dated May 9, 2024, addressed to KICC Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura.
The letter, signed by PSC Accounting Officer Clement Nyandiere, appealed to KICC management to allow MPs continued access to the facilities as efforts to settle the outstanding arrears continue.
“The PSC is in the process of seeking funds to settle the outstanding amount by the end of the financial year,” Nyandiere wrote. “In view of this, we request that you allow the Members of Parliament to continue accessing the facilities at KICC, including patrolling of COMESA grounds without interference.”
According to the PSC, the contract between Parliament and KICC covers accommodation and parking for MPs—an arrangement that has been in place for several years.
Nyandiere acknowledged the longstanding relationship, noting that although delays have occurred due to exchequer and budgetary constraints, the commission has largely fulfilled its obligations.
“This financial year, the PSC has already settled payments totaling Sh134 million—Sh73 million for the 2023/2024 financial year and Sh61 million for the current financial year up to December 2024,” the letter stated.
Despite these payments, the remaining balance has prompted KICC to restrict access to the premises, affecting MPs who operate from the iconic Nairobi complex.
The standoff underscores ongoing budgetary pressures facing government institutions amid rising operational costs and delayed disbursements from the National Treasury.
Efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing, but as of Monday, the MPs remained locked out of the facility.
