Drama at KICC: Over 40 MPs Locked Out Over KSh 50 Million Rent Arrears

A standoff between Parliament and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has taken a dramatic turn after more than 40 Members of Parliament (MPs) and support staff were locked out of their offices due to over KSh 50 million in unpaid rent.

Who Was Affected?

Among those caught up in the closure were several high-profile legislators, including:

• Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu MP)

• Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga MP)

• Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP)

• John Methu (Nyandarua Senator)

Support staff and other parliamentary officials who operate from KICC were also forced to leave, with even access to toilets denied.

PSC Responds: “We’ve Already Paid”

In a formal letter dated Friday, May 9, the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) pleaded for leniency and called for the immediate reopening of the offices. The letter, signed by Clement Nyandiere, PSC’s Director-General of Parliamentary Joint Services, was addressed to KICC CEO James Mwaura and copied to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who chairs the Commission.

Nyandiere emphasized the long-standing contractual relationship between Parliament and KICC, arguing that despite occasional payment delays, Parliament has always honored its obligations.

“This financial year alone, PSC has already paid KSh 134 million in rent — KSh 73 million for the 2023/2024 period and KSh 61 million for the current financial year up to December 2024,” the letter read.

KICC Holds Its Ground

KICC has so far stood by its decision, maintaining that significant arrears remain and that previous reminders were not acted upon. With both parties standing firm, the impasse continues, leaving many MPs without functional workspaces.

Bigger Questions Arise

This incident is more than just a rental dispute — it highlights deeper issues in inter-agency communication, fiscal accountability, and the management of public resources.

If such a dramatic standoff can occur between two state institutions, one must ask:

• Where is the disconnect in financial reporting?

• Is this a one-time breakdown, or a sign of systemic inefficiencies?