Kenyan MPs Locked Out of KICC Offices Over Ksh50 Million Unpaid Rent

A significant number of Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) were denied access to their offices at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, May 12, as a consequence of over Ksh50 million in unpaid rent. 

The lockout has brought into sharp focus the financial management practices of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), which is responsible for settling the outstanding debt. The predicament follows unsuccessful negotiations between the PSC and KICC management, during which the PSC sought an extension to finalise payments before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. 

With the deadline approaching and the debt still outstanding, the MPs who rely on KICC offices now face uncertainty. The PSC, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, had previously assured KICC officials that the arrears would be settled before the close of the financial year. In a letter dated May 9, PSC Accounting Officer Clement Nyandiere formally requested KICC management to restore MPs' access to their offices while payment arrangements are finalised.

“The PSC is in the process of seeking funds to settle the outstanding amount by the end of the financial year. In view of this, we request that you allow the Members of Parliament to continue accessing the facilities at KICC, including patrolling of COMESA grounds without interference,” Nyandiere stated in the letter.

Nyandiere emphasises the long-standing contractual relationship between the PSC and KICC. He noted that past payment delays had been resolved. He cites prior arrears totalling Ksh134 million, including Ksh73 million for the 2023/2024 financial year and Ksh61 million settled by December 2024 for the current period. While the exact number of affected MPs is not immediately clear, it is estimated that over 40 legislators were occupying offices at KICC as of April 2024. 

Some lawmakers have been assigned offices at Bunge Towers, while others, unable to secure space there have been accommodated at Harambee SACCO Plaza. The failure to clear the rent arrears, despite the PSC's assurances, has caused significant disruption, compelling MPs to seek alternative workspaces. In its correspondence, the PSC has attributed the payment delays to financial pressures and slow exchequer releases. Nyandiere has maintained that the commission remains committed to meeting its rental obligations.

“The commission has always honoured its payments, despite occasional delays due to exchequer and budgetary constraints,” the letter stated.