Kenyan comedian Sammy Kioko has in the recent weeks been at the centre of discussion over his alleged Sh19 million tender dispute with Machakos County Government.
The comedian turned businessman expressed his frustrations over the delays in payment, which he claims led to the closure of his clothing business, Kioko Designs.
Looking into his career, Kioko is an epitome of grass to grace having rose from a humble background. He was born in Mombasa but his family later relocated to Machakos and Nairobi counties where he grew up.
Growing up, Kioko envisioned becoming a teacher. However, things took a different turn when he joined high school and became a member of the drama club. He participated in stand-up comedy while in high school, winning various awards and laying the foundation for who he is today.
After high school, Kioko joined KCA university where he did Bachelor of Education (Arts) in History and Swahili. He joined the university comedy competitions and was later absorbed by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation(KBC), where he continued nurturing his skills.
In 2015, he unsuccessfully auditioned for the Churchill show. He went on to act set books, a job he did for about two years which helped him in many ways including stage presence and articulation.
His breakthrough came after he auditioned for the Ultimate Comic show that aired on Maisha Magic East. Kioko was among the top three finalists alongside Oloo Daniel and Amos Kiptabut, and was awarded a Sh1 million cash prize.
In a past interview with Radio Jambo he revealed that he used the Sh1million Ultimate Comic cash prize money to better the life of his parents.
“My dad did not have a home; he was a serial drunkard and used to sleep in very weird places. The first thing I did was to build him a house. I also opened a shop for my mother who was still struggling with her business. Then the remainder I paid for my school fees and now I am a teacher in History and Swahili,” he said.
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After this award, he performed in the Churchill show, where he has become a favourite to many people with his witty and funny jokes on the show.
Sammy Kioko tender disputes
Kioko recently went viral after camping outside Machakos County offices demanding payment of Sh19 million, after he allegedly supplied goods to the county government.
He claims that the payment has been outstanding for nearly two years despite completing the tender and even submitting documented proofs of deliveries to the Machakos County procurement office.
Responding to the matter, the Machakos County government accused Kioko of tarnishing governor Wavinya’s name, denying any relationship with the comedian.
“The county government has taken note of allegations that we are indebted to him for goods allegedly supplied to the county. These assertions are unfounded and also appear to be part of a calculated and politically motivated scheme aimed at discrediting the governor and undermining the integrity of the county’s leadership.”
The county claimed that they had verified procurement documents, and there was no contract between them and Kioko.
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