11/11/2025
Reality Check: Sammy Kioko’s Unpaid Tender Dispute with Machakos County
A dispute has emerged between comedian and entrepreneur Sammy Kioko and the Machakos County Government over an alleged unpaid supply deal worth KSh 19 million.
Kioko claims his company, Kioko Designs, delivered staff uniforms to the county nearly two years ago but has never received payment. He says he possesses invoices, delivery notes, and communication records with county officials to support his claim.
However, the Machakos County Government, under Governor Wavinya Ndeti, has dismissed the allegations, stating that no contract exists between the county and Kioko’s firm.
The administration insists that Kioko is not a registered supplier and has accused him of attempting to tarnish the governor’s image for political reasons.
Unanswered Questions
For Sammy Kioko:
Was there a formal tender or Local Purchase Order issued?
Who in the county officially received or approved the goods?
Did the transaction follow proper procurement procedures?
For the County Government:
If no contract exists, were any goods delivered or accepted by county staff?
Have internal investigations been conducted, and if so, what were the findings?
Could any officers have engaged with Kioko unofficially?
The Bigger Picture
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s public procurement system where delayed payments, missing paperwork, and conflicting narratives continue to frustrate small business owners.
As both sides trade blame, the key question remains:
Who truly owes who and where does the truth lie?
