Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute has called on priority of to local contractors. Photo: Mohamed Chute X.
Senators have faulted the move by Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to block other contractors out of the expansion of Kiambu Road into a four lane highway.
Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute has further raised concern over unfair awarding of contractors to foreigners including Chinese companies, leaving Kenyan workers to suffer, a situation he said is not only a call in the controversial advert by KeNHA.
Chute stated that small contractors and tenders like construction of markets and buildings in the country, are sadly awarded to Chinese Firms and Contractors.
“The problem is not in Kiambu County only, it is all over the country. The problem we are facing is that Chinese companies are being given contractors , you can find Chinese traders doing some work market works in Meru, Chuka and Marsabit.
Chute said that Kenyan contractors are missing on contractors meant for them, with huge pending Bills from both county and national government amounting to KSh 456 billion. He further backed calls by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, that called on tenders below KSh billion awarded to Kenyans.
“The companies working on buildings and roads are mainly Chinese, while companies working in the country have pending bills in the worth billions owned by the county and national government amounting to KSh 456 billion. These moneys are supposed to be paid to local contractors, Chinese contractors can manage because they are being financed by their government. what about our local contractors they are suffering,” Chute said.
In their advertisement, KeNHA had restricted the eligibility of bidders to Chinese Firms and Consortiums only, which Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka demanded answers on criteria the Authority used to settle on the bidders.
He further questioned whether the criteria aligns with Kenya Procurement Laws, including the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act or complies with bilateral or multilateral funding agreements, further demanded an understanding whether Kenyan contractors were also reached out to.
“This advertisement raises serious concerns about the fairness, inclusivity and legality regarding the procurement process particularly in view of the Constitution of Kenya,” Onyonka stated.
The other day their was riot shops were looted unfortunately that is a problem, but after few days the insurance compensated local contractors are not being paid.
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