The Association of Booksellers has faulted the government over huge debts incurred following delayed payment by schools.
According to the booksellers, schools owe them unpaid dues to a tune of Sh2.8 billion.
Addressing media in Nakuru on Saturday on behalf of the Kenya Bookseller and Stationery Association for the Nakuru Chapter, Chairman Albert Kimani took issues with Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha.
“Schools are suffering, the booksellers are suffering and even the students. The Government is trying to kill the industry," he said.
According to Kimani, booksellers have been issuing books to schools on credit but never get paid.
He noted that the Government should have consulted them before coming up with the new supply method to schools.
Kimani said there could be cartels at the Ministry of Education who are working to kill the industry asking EACC to step in and investigate the issue.
They have also appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to step in and save the industry and the education sector from the cartels.
“The only person that can save the situation is the President and we even hope the EACC can come in and investigate the Ministry of Education and how funds meant for stationery just disappeared,” added Kimani.
The association will be seeking help from the court to handle the matter in a much more beneficial way for both the parties involved.
The publishers have already petitioned parliament on the matter. According to them, if the issue is not addressed, they will end up laying off workers to maintain operations.
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