West Pokot County lost billions of shillings through massive corruption in the awarding of tenders in the last regime. A report by the National Construction Authority (NCA) has revealed massive corruption in the past administration that saw the loss of millions of shillings through dubious deals. The report which was carried out between August and October 2017, faults the former regime led by Simon Kachapin for inflating the cost of projects award tenders to briefcase contractors.
According to NCA audit, the costs of most projects were highly inflated, work halfway done, poor workmanship although total payment was done. “The 200-page report has also revealed that most of the contracts were awarded without following procurement procedures. “The purpose of most projects were not to improve the lives of the people but for some County officials to enrich themselves through arbitrary contracts and kickbacks,” adds the NCA report.
The report indicates that of the 23 projects they analyzed, none of them met the required standards of construction and the public did not get the value of money spent.
“Majority of the contractors were not registered by NCA and therefore did not have a valid practising licence,” says the report.
NCA cites the construction of Early Childhood Development (ECD) Multi-Purpose Hall in Kapenguria which was initially valued at Kshs 26 million but the figure was later changed to upwards to Kshs 41 million and all the money has been paid but work is not complete.
The report cited the construction of a tourist hotel at a cost of Kshs 350 million where most of the money has already been paid in an unprocedural way.
The report also indicated the ongoing construction of an Agricultural Training College (ATC) at a cost of Kshs 233 million where all the money has been paid while substantial work is pending and further Ksh.85 million has been paid for phase two, whereas phase
one is not complete.
one is not complete.
Speaking during a press conference at his office in Kapenguria, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo who was given the report yesterday by NCA said he has suspended all projects as they further scrutinize the illegal activities that were involved in them.
Governor Lonyangapuo called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to visit West Pokot and do thorough investigations. “We want criminals who have been convincing to steal public funds to be brought to book. In fact, NCA is going institute disciplinary actions against these unlicensed contractors,” he said. Lonyangapuo said that his government will not condone theft of funds.