The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) DG Silas Kinoti is facing intense scrutiny after a parliamentary investigation revealed that Sh687 million was overpaid to a contractor for incomplete bridge and road projects.
The revelations have raised concerns about accountability and the management of public funds.
According to MPs probing the matter, despite only 50% of the contracted work being completed, the full payment was disbursed to the contractor, contravening standard procedures.
The projects, which included the construction of critical bridges and roads intended to ease urban congestion, remain partially done, leaving residents in affected areas grappling with poor infrastructure.
KURA Boss Silas gestures during a past media presser. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
Speaking during the inquiry, members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned KURA officials on how payments were processed without verification of project completion.
“This is a blatant misuse of taxpayers’ money. Contractors cannot be paid for work they have not delivered,” one MP remarked, demanding accountability.
The overpayment is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding KURA’s management of road construction projects. Critics argue that weak oversight mechanisms and possible collusion between officials and contractors are to blame.
KURA officials defended themselves by stating that the payments were part of a phased agreement with the contractor, claiming the delays were caused by unforeseen challenges.
However, this explanation has done little to quell public outcry.
The parliamentary probe is expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the irregular payments. Kenyans are now calling for the prosecution of those responsible and a recovery of the funds.
As infrastructure remains a critical pillar of national development, the revelation has sparked a broader debate on ensuring integrity in public projects, with calls for stricter enforcement of anti-corruption measures across the sector.
