Members of Parliament have initiated an inquiry into claims of financial mismanagement at the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) following reports that a contractor received excessive payments for incomplete road and bridge projects.
The Public Investments Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, led by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, is examining a staggering Sh687 million overpayment to a construction firm tasked with projects initially estimated at Sh892 million.
Documentation submitted to the committee indicates that the contractor, who was awarded the contract during the 2018/2019 fiscal year, has left substantial portions of the work unfinished.
The projects in question encompass the rehabilitation and enhancement of Shreeji Road, the construction of pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, as well as the expansion of bridges on Likoni Road and Enterprise Road. Pkosing expressed concern, stating that there must be an explanation for the overpayment, questioning how Sh687 million could be disbursed while significant work remains incomplete, suggesting clear irregularities in the process.
“The project stalled in 2021 due to these challenges, and the contractor now wants to terminate the agreement mutually,” Kinoti explained.
Committee members raised concerns over the justification for the overpayment and the decision to abandon the project when it was nearing completion.
“Why does the contractor want to terminate the contract when most of the work is done?” Kiambu Town MP John Machua posed.
Aldai MP Marianne Kitany stressed the need for accountability, noting the severe traffic congestion caused by the incomplete works along Likoni and Enterprise Roads.
