Kenya National Library Services seeks MPs’ help over Sh63m rent arrears owed by Ministry of Sports
Nzivo told the committee that KNLS requires Sh90 million for repairs and maintenance of its branches in Nakuru, Buruburu, and its headquarters at Community.
The Ministry of Sports and Culture owes the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) Sh63 million in rent arrears after vacating its former premises in Community, Nairobi, a parliamentary committee has been told.
KNLS Chief Executive Officer Charles Nzivo informed the National Assembly's Sports and Culture Committee that the ministry moved to its new offices at Talanta Hela House without clearing the outstanding debt.
"We were housing the Sports Ministry, but they left to their new offices at Talanta Hela House with a huge debt that they have not settled," Nzivo told the committee, which is chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, during a session at Maktaba Kuu House.
He added that efforts to recover the money had been unsuccessful and asked the committee to intervene.
"Our efforts to have the ministry settle the debt have hit a dead end, and we are requesting the committee's intervention to have the money paid," Nzivo said
In response, Wanyama directed KNLS to formally write a demand letter to the ministry.
"Write a demand letter to the ministry, and the committee will use it as a basis to compel them to settle the rent arrears," he said.
Repairs and maintenance
Nzivo also told the committee that KNLS requires Sh90 million for repairs and maintenance of its branches in Nakuru, Buruburu, and its headquarters at Community.
"The state of our offices in Nakuru and Buruburu is wanting. They have not been repaired for more than 13 years and need a facelift," he said while requesting additional funds for maintenance.
The committee members advised KNLS to prepare a detailed breakdown of the repair costs for each branch.
"As you are asking for more allocation for maintenance and repairs, you should specify through a breakdown of how much each branch requires for the works to be done," Wanyama stated.
Nzivo further disclosed that KNLS collects Sh95 million annually from various services, including Sh75 million from rent and Sh20 million from other services provided to clients.
"We collect a total of Sh75 million from rent and an additional Sh20 million from other services provided to clients," he explained, noting that the funds are used to cover operational costs such as electricity, water, and internet bills.
Busia Woman Rep Catherine Omanyo urged KNLS to explore additional revenue-generating avenues to enhance financial stability.
"You need to invest the money you collect as revenue in real estate in the city to generate more income and be financially sound," she said.
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