A wave of controversy is sweeping through Central Kenya, with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) at the center of a storm. Allegations of corruption, substandard work, and stalled projects have put the spotlight on the authority’s operations in the region, drawing the attention of local leaders and Members of Parliament (MPs). The scrutiny is particularly intense on KURA’s operations in the Central Region, with reports of investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) into alleged mismanagement.
The accusations against KURA officials include collusion with proxies to undermine crucial infrastructure projects, leading to delays and poor execution. Local leaders and MPs have voiced their frustrations in Parliament and the Senate, openly criticizing the authority’s perceived incompetence. There’s a growing belief among observers that political connections may be shielding senior officials from accountability, hindering legal action against those implicated in controversial projects. The pressure on the government to act has been amplified by the resurfacing of a KSh 1.27 billion corruption case in Kiambu County, linked to dubious road projects. The public and political outcry is demanding a comprehensive probe to ensure accountability, regardless of political ties.
The controversy is not isolated to one area. Several key projects across the region have been flagged for their slow progress and quality concerns.
Kiambu County
- Ruaka-Banana-Limuru (D407) – Ngecha (E423) & Thogoto-Gikambura-Mutarakwa (Phase III) (D411): This major road network upgrade has been criticized for its slow pace despite significant funding. Residents have raised concerns about the quality of the work.
- Muigai Inn-Ichaweri-Gatundu-Kang’oo, Kibichoi-Ichaweri-Nembu-Gachika, Broadway-Kiandutu-Athena-Engen-Kiaganjo-Muthaiga, and Courtesy Beach Loop Roads: These large-scale projects face similar accusations of delays and poor execution.
- Thika Bypass: While initially nearing completion, this critical bypass, which links Kiambu and Murang’a, has a history of delays and budget adjustments, impacting traffic flow and economic activity.
Murang’a, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Kirinyaga Counties
- Thika Bypass: The portion of the bypass in Murang’a County is also under scrutiny.
- Lot 15 urban roads (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi): This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, covering 45 kilometers of urban roads, has raised questions about its management and delivery. The PPP model, intended to diversify funding, is now being criticized for potential mismanagement.
- Nyahururu Bypass (Laikipia): This project, designed to improve traffic flow, has also encountered issues, reflecting the broader pattern of mismanagement in the region.
- Kagio Town – Kangaru – Kathaka & Sagana Town Roads II (Kirinyaga): These projects are also facing concerns from the public and local leaders regarding work quality and timelines.
As public and political pressure intensifies, there are growing calls for an independent audit of all KURA projects in the Central region. The goal is to uncover the full extent of the alleged malpractices and ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively to deliver quality infrastructure that benefits the public as intended.
While the focus is on KURA, other road authorities are not immune to scrutiny. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has faced its own share of controversy, particularly with the Kiambu Road expansion project. The tendering process for this project has been abruptly halted after senators raised concerns about tender restrictions that exclusively favored foreign contractors, sparking accusations of exclusion and discrimination against local firms. These incidents underscore a broader issue of accountability and transparency in the country’s infrastructure sector.
