By Andrew Kariuki
The High Court in Garissa has ordered the County Government of Garissa to settle a debt of over KSh60.5 million owed to a contractor, following prolonged non-payment despite a valid court decree.
In a ruling delivered in Judicial Review Application No. E001 of 2026, the court issued an order compelling the county government to pay Vision Point, the applicant, the sum of Ksh60,584,193.16, inclusive of interest and taxed costs.
The debt arises from High Court Civil Suit No. 3 of 2019, where judgment was entered against the county on February 25, 2019, for work and services rendered in 2014. Despite the court’s decision, the county has failed to honour the payment.
Court documents indicate that the respondent was served with notices in October 2020 and December 2025 but still did not comply with the decree. The amount continues to accrue interest at a rate of 14% per annum from January 1, 2026, until full settlement.
The applicant argued that the county’s continued failure to pay, despite being fully aware of the court orders and certificate of taxed costs, amounted to a blatant disregard of judicial authority.
In granting the orders, the court emphasized that a successful litigant is entitled to enjoy the fruits of their judgment, and that public bodies have a legal obligation to comply with court decrees.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on enforcing accountability among public institutions, particularly in cases involving unpaid contractual obligations.
