Housing agency boss Wachira Njuguna sent home after audit

National Housing Corporation managing director Wachira Njuguna has been suspended after audit queries over the purchase of land.

Board chairman Sammy Chepkwony said the queries had been raised by the State corporation’s inspectorate unit.

Mr Njuguna was sent home on Monday.

The auditor-general had also raised questions on the procurement of land in Nairobi for low cost houses as well as an ongoing police housing.

“The board asked the managing director to step aside following the preliminary audit. He has been replaced in an acting capacity by an official from the Lands ministry, Mr Kamau Maina. He will take over on Wednesday,” said Mr Chepkwony on the phone.

“The suspension comes after investigations in the past two months over procedures and complaints against him,” said Mr Chepkwony without divulging details for fear of prejudicing further investigations.

He said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission had been asked to step in.

“We plan to carry out thorough investigations. We shall write to relevant government agencies to come on board,” said the chairman.

In January, the corporation announced it would this year build 2,000 police houses. This followed the completion of 44 houses at the Ruai Police Station on the outskirts of Nairobi.