Sports Ministry owes Kenya National Library Services Sh63 million in rent arrears

The Sports and Culture Ministry owes the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) Sh63 million in unpaid rent, a House Committee has been told.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Nzivo told the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee sitting at Maktaba Kuu House that the ministry vacated the premises in the Community area without settling the debt.

"We were housing the Sports Ministry here but they left to their new offices at Talanta Hela House leaving us with a huge debt that they have not settled since then," Dr Nzivo told the committee chaired by Dan Wanyama.

While saying that efforts to have the ministry settle the debt had hit a dead end, Nzivo pleaded with the committee to intervene and compel the ministry to pay the debt.

The chairman of the Committee Dan Wanyama who took issue with the ministry for not settling the debt asked the CEO to write a demand letter to them so that the Committee can use the document to follow up.

"Write a demand letter to the ministry and the Committee will use it as a basis to compel them to settle the rent arrears," said the Webuye West MP.

Dr Nzivo told the Committee that KNLS required Sh90 million for repairs and maintenance of their three stations in Nakuru, Buruburu and the headquarters at the Community area.

"The state of our offices in Nakuru and Buruburu are deteriorating. They have not been repaired for more than 13 years and they need a facelift," he said as he requested more money for maintenance of the same.

The Committee members advised the CEO to use experts to prepare bills of quantity that will guide them on exactly how much money they require for maintenance and repairs of the institutions.

"As you are asking for more allocation for maintenance and repairs you should specify through a breakdown on how much each branch requires for the works to be done," said Hon Wanyama

Dr Nzivo also revealed that the KNLS collected Sh95 million yearly from services they provided to their clients including members of the public.

"We collect a total of Sh75 million from rent and an additional Sh20 million from other services provided to clients,” he said.

According to him, the funds were being used to pay for electricity, water and internet bills among others.

Nzivo told the Committee that Sh375 million was being disbursed to the KNLS from the exchequer noting that the funds were directed to paying personal monuments such as salaries and medical covers for staff among others.

Busia County Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo asked KNLS management to expand their wings in revenue generation to be able to be financially stable.

"You need to invest the money you collect as revenue in real estate in the city to be able to generate more income and be financially sound," said Omanyo.

Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) is responsible for promoting libraries, preserving national documents, and providing library services.