Sammy Kioko exposes Sh19 million Machakos County tender dispute, sparks national debate on pending bills crisis

Kenyan comedian and entrepreneur Sammy Kioko has ignited a national debate over the treatment of local suppliers after publicly detailing a Sh19 million tender dispute with the Machakos County government.

Speaking on TV47’s This Friday With Betty on February 20, 2026, Kioko recounted how a contract his company fully executed turned into what he described as a year-long battle marked by intimidation, delayed payment and alleged claims by senior officials that they operate “above the law” when settling debts.

Kioko and his sister, Maureen, had successfully secured a competitive county tender to supply uniforms and tactical gear—including boots, berets and belts. The deal required an upfront capital investment of Sh12 million. After traditional banks declined to finance the contract, the siblings turned to personal resources. Maureen raised 20 percent of the capital, while Kioko sourced the remaining 80 percent.

What began as a milestone achievement quickly devolved into a financial and emotional crisis when payment failed to materialize.

According to Kioko, the county initially denied knowledge of him or the contract, a phase he described as “denial.” Although discussions have since progressed to payment talks, he claims the process has been marred by bureaucratic arrogance. He recounted an encounter with a procurement officer who allegedly dismissed legal action and online activism as ineffective, arguing that the county could simply categorize the debt as a “pending bill”—a designation that would shield it from immediate settlement regardless of court rulings.

Beyond the legal wrangling, Kioko emphasized the human toll of the dispute. At the height of the crisis, his sister was battling illness while pregnant. As the county withheld payment, creditors moved in. Her car was auctioned and business equipment repossessed, dismantling her livelihood.

Kioko said his decision to go public was driven by a desire to secure a direct audience with the Machakos Governor in search of what he called a humane resolution, particularly for his sister, whose financial stability was sacrificed to fulfill a government contract.

The case has resonated widely, highlighting concerns about the growing burden of “pending bills” across Kenya’s devolved units. For many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the label has become synonymous with prolonged financial distress and limited avenues for recourse.

Despite the personal and financial strain, Kioko expressed gratitude for the public support he has received, saying it has transformed a private family ordeal into a broader conversation about accountability, procurement practices and the risks faced by entrepreneurs engaging in government tenders.