A woman contractor has died from a medical condition reportedly linked to depression, with her family blaming prolonged non-payment of millions of shillings allegedly owed by the Nairobi City County Government.
The family of Beatrice Njeri claims she was owed KSh36,787,221 for a 2.7-kilometre road construction project identified as NCCG/M&W/T/125/2023-2024 in the Kanisani area of Ruai.
Loan-Financed Road Project in Ruai
According to her relatives, Njeri financed the road project through multiple bank loans, expecting prompt payment from the county government upon completion. Colleagues involved in the project state that the road was completed in September 2024, with the first invoice submitted in October 2024. However, they allege that no payment has been made to date.
The financial strain reportedly left her heavily indebted after repeated attempts to secure payment proved unsuccessful. Family members say the mounting pressure severely affected her health, with medical professionals indicating that the condition she developed was triggered by depression.
Equipment Repossessed Over Loan Default
Due to the outstanding debt, banks allegedly repossessed Njeri’s road construction equipment and vehicles after she defaulted on her loan repayments. The repossessions further deepened her financial crisis.
Following her hospitalization and subsequent death, the family says they are now facing a medical bill of KSh3.2 million. Her body is currently being held at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital pending settlement of the outstanding balance.
Appeal to Governor Johnson Sakaja
The grieving family is appealing to Johnson Sakaja to urgently intervene and facilitate payment of the alleged pending dues. They argue that the delayed settlement has caused immense financial and emotional distress, ultimately contributing to the tragic loss of their mother.
The case has reignited debate over pending bills owed to contractors by county governments and the wider impact of delayed payments on small and medium-sized enterprises in Kenya.
