The report highlights unsupported cumulative payments of Ksh 7.6 billion, unexplained overspending on the Kenol-Sagana-Marua highway under KeNHA and under-budgeting that risks penalties and interest on pending bills. Key projects such as the Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui-Migwani Road and Magongo Road dual carriageway have stalled due to delayed payments. Meanwhile, the dualling of the Kenol-Sagana and Sagana-Marua highways, despite costing billions, remains far from completion
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have been identified as key channels for mismanagement of public funds, according to the Auditor General’s report for the 2022/2023 financial year.
The report reveals widespread financial improprieties, with billions lost through abandoned projects, unpaid bills, and lack of compensation for landowners affected by road construction. Projects plagued by delays and mismanagement include the Nairobi-Thika Super Highway street lighting installation, where bulbs worth Ksh 66.5 million were irregularly procured.
Additionally, projects such as the Chuka-Kaanwa, Kaanwa-Wakathite, and Nuno-Mondogashe roads have faced significant setbacks due to contractor delays and unpaid land compensation. For instance, the Nuno-Mondogashe project remains stalled despite Ksh 147.6 million being approved for compensation, with Ksh 125.9 million still outstanding.
The report highlights unsupported cumulative payments of Ksh 7.6 billion, unexplained overspending on the Kenol-Sagana-Marua highway under KeNHA and under-budgeting that risks penalties and interest on pending bills. Key projects such as the Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui-Migwani Road and Magongo Road dual carriageway have stalled due to delayed payments. Meanwhile, the dualling of the Kenol-Sagana and Sagana-Marua highways, despite costing billions, remains far from completion.
Also read
- http://KeNHA Faces Backlash Over Delayed Repairs on Highway Damaged During Nairobi Expressway Construction
- http://EACC Urged to Expedite Probe into Controversial Ksh 3 Billion Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road Rehabilitation Tenders
The Auditor General warns that failure to settle pending bills distorts subsequent budgets and risks additional costs in penalties and interest. Moreover, unresolved audit issues from previous years raise concerns over the effectiveness of the agencies’ financial management.
Management at the agencies has committed to engaging with the National Treasury to secure funding and clear outstanding bills. However, the Auditor General notes the continued lack of accountability in addressing financial inefficiencies and unresolved audit findings.
This report casts a spotlight on the urgent need for reform in Kenya’s road infrastructure sector to safeguard public funds and ensure the timely completion of projects.
