Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the Council of Governors (CoG) and state agencies to fast-track the payments of pending bills for the financial year 2022/23.

Gachagua hosted the CoG, state agencies and top government officials for the 22nd Ordinary session of the Intergovernmental Budget Economic Council (IBEC) meeting at his Karen residence on Monday.

He stated that the government remains committed to achieving timely disbursements of funds to counties, noting that the payments are nearly up to date until December 2023.

"Prompt payments for goods and services release funds to our people and spurs economic growth for a better and vibrant economy. Let money circulate," he said.

The second in command further urged leaders to partner with the national government to help combat graft which is posing as a threat to the rising wage bill.

"We must tackle the threats of a rising wage bill. Corruption is a threat to both levels of government let us work collectively to put in place control measures to monetize the use of public funds for procurement and expenditure to be within the law," stated Gachagua.

He lauded the leaders for supporting the government's ambitious plans to spur economic growth in the nation, stating that President William Ruto personally remains committed to the success of devolution and improved service delivery to Kenyans.