Sports ministry owes Kenya National Library Services Sh63m in rent arrears, MPs told

Kenya National Library Services Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Nzivo during a meeting with the Sports and Culture Committee of the National Assembly

The Ministry of Sports and Culture owes the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) Sh63 million in rent arrears, a House Committee has been told.

KNLS Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Nzivo told the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee that the ministry vacated the premises in Community without settling the 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 chaired by Dan Wanyama at Maktaba Kuu house.

He added:

"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".

Wanyama asked the CEO to write a demand letter to them so that the committee could use the document to follow up.

"Write a demand letter to the ministry and the committee will use it as a basis to compel them to settle the rent arrears," said the Webuye West MP.

Nzivo told the committee that KNLS required Sh90 million for repairs and maintenance of their three stations in Nakuru, Buruburu and the headquarters at Community.

"The state of our offices in Nakuru and Buruburu are wanting. They have not been repaired for more than 13 years and they need a facelift," he said as he requested more money for maintenance of the same.

The committee members advised the CEO to use experts to prepare bills of quantity that will guide them to ascertain exactly how much money is required for maintenance and repairs of the premises.

"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," said Wanyama

National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee chair Dan Wanyama during a meeting with Kenya National Library Services officials

Nzivo also revealed that the KNLS collects Sh95 million yearly from services they provide to their clients including members of the public.

He explained:

"We collect a total of Sh75 million from rent and an additional Sh20 million from other services provided to clients.”

He said the funds are used to pay for electricity, water and internet bills among others.

Busia County MP Catherine Omanyo asked KNLS management to expand their wings in revenue generation to be financially stable. 

"You need to invest the money you collect as revenue in real estate in the city to generate more income and be financially sound," said Omanyo.