Agency accused of failing to pay for stalled Kisumu roads

Construction of several roads in Kisumu has stalled because the Kenya National Highways Authority has not paid contractors, two MPs have said.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir and Woman Representative Rose Nyamunga lamented that the authority has not paid the contractors for several months now.

“Contractors say they have not been paid. The road’s agency owes us an explanation,” said Mr Shabbir.

Most of the roads were commissioned four years ago by President Mwai Kibaki. They include Kisumu-Kakamega road, Kisumu-Nairobi and Kisumu-Busia road. Some works were also expected at Kisumu Boys’ High school roundabout. They were to be completed by last August.

Lack of funds has also been cited for delayed relocation of the sewer and pipeline.

Mr Shabbir also asked why the Nyamasaria and Kisian by-passes are still closed yet they are complete. “The flyovers were completed months ago. Why can’t people enjoy this infrastructure?” he asked.

ACTIVE ROLE

Mr Shabbir also challenged the county government to play an active role in construction and management of roads.

Last week, the roads authority promised construction would resume this week but this did not happen.

Ms Nyamunga demanded details of the contract between the highways authority and the contractors.

“The authority must give us an explanation on what really happened to the roads. We don’t want these empty promises that the roads would be completed,” she said.

SBI Holdings, one of the companies contracted to do the roads Friday refused to discuss the matter.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kisumu chairman Israel Agina said the stand-off was affecting businesses.