The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy has threatened to take disciplinary action against Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary at the National Treasury, for failing to appear before it to address a Ksh30 billion power debt crisis.
The session, scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, was called off after the Treasury failed to attend a crucial meeting aimed at providing solutions to Kenya Power’s financial woes, which are tied to stalled rural electrification projects.
The committee has now directed the PS to appear next Tuesday without fail or risk further parliamentary sanctions.
“This Committee is not a rubber stamp. If the PS does not appear, we will escalate the matter. We want solutions, not excuses,” stated Committee Chairperson, David Pkosing.
The Treasury’s absence left the Committee unable to proceed with deliberations on the massive debt owed to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) for the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES), raising concerns about the government’s commitment to improving energy access in underserved regions.
Only the Ministry of Energy honoured the invite, represented by State Department for Energy PS Alex Wachira. The National Treasury PS, being the designated accounting officer, was expected to provide a detailed financial plan on how to address the outstanding amount.
Soy MP David Kiplagat criticised the Treasury for dismissing the Ksh30 billion debt as commercially unviable, saying it contradicted the government’s last-mile power connectivity agenda. “That is an insult to our development goals. The PS must return with submissions that align with national policy,” he said.
Vice Chairperson John Ariko (Turkana South) lamented that the delay in funding rural electrification programs had left many communities in the dark. He cited non-functional lithium batteries and inadequate fuel infrastructure as major issues crippling mini-grid stations.
“We are talking about regions like Elwak, Kakaba, Fiba, and Fatuma Solar in Mandera, which still live in darkness. It is unacceptable that Treasury dismisses these communities as not viable,” added Ariko.
Nyeri MP Maina Mathenge insisted the PS had a constitutional duty to account for public funds flagged by the Auditor-General. “This matter is not a joke. The Treasury cannot walk away from responsibility and expect citizens to suffer in silence,” he said.
The Committee is examining audit reports on KPLC and the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) for the financial years 2018/2019 to 2022/2023, which flagged several stalled projects and unresolved compensation claims.
Lawmakers noted deep institutional failure in financing rural electrification and accused the Treasury of contributing to the power crisis by withholding funds.
Chairperson Pkosing reiterated that the Committee’s role was to defend the interests of Kenyans. “We are not here to protect any ministry. We will not accept musical chairs while citizens suffer,” he affirmed.
The lawmakers want firm commitments from the Treasury on how it plans to clear the debt owed to KPLC and unlock rural power projects that remain dormant due to a lack of funding.
Should the PS skip the next appearance, MPs have signalled readiness to invoke powers granted under parliamentary standing orders to compel attendance or recommend sanctions.
