MPs warn govt over contracts to Chinese

A section of the Thika Super Highway. Four MPs have questioned the awarding of contracts for the controversial standard gauge railway, the construction of the Thika Superhighway and the coal mining in Kitui. PHOTO/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• The MPs questioned the awarding of contracts for the controversial standard gauge railway, the construction of the Thika Superhighway and the coal mining in Kitui.
• The lawmakers warned the government that they would formulate a law restricting the regime to awarding local companies lucrative contracts and lock out foreign construction firms.

By JEREMIAH KIPLANG'AT
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Four MPs want the government to stop giving Chinese companies big contracts in favour of local firms.

The MPs say taxpayer funds used for lucrative projects should remain in the country instead of being shipped abroad.

The lawmakers further warned the government that they would formulate a law restricting the regime to awarding local companies lucrative contracts and lock out foreign construction firms.

Speaking at a media conference at 680 Hotel in Nairobi, the members of the National Assembly expressed concern that most of the projects worth billions of shillings had been awarded to Chinese firms denying local contractors a chance to serve the country.

“At this rate we will soon not have any local contractors in business. This government is working hard to kill local construction companies. Some of the work being done by the Chinese (firms) can be done very well by our own people,” said Ijara MP Ahmed Abbas.

The controversial standard gauge railway launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta last month, the construction of the Thika Superhighway and the coal mining in Kitui were at the centre of focus with the legislators wondering whether Kenyan-owned firms could not do any of the work.

The superhighway constructed by Chinese contractors and the railway are worth billions of shillings. The coal mining firm Fenxi said it would share benefits from the venture with the government.

“This government promised the youths jobs and were elected on the premise. Why is it now turning against them? When foreign firms are awarded such expensive contracts our youths would not get employment,” said Nyatike lawmaker Omondi Anyanga.

FAIR COST

The modern railway has been a source of controversy following claims that its cost could have been overshot.

(Read: Jubilee defends rail cost, contract award)

A section of leaders has also questioned the award of the contract to a Chinese contractor.
On Thursday, Deputy President William Ruto defended the cost saying it was fair compared to what neighbouring countries were spending on similar projects.

The MPs said they would continue to ask the government to answer the questions around the railway.

(Read: Graft team opens probe on rail deal)
Luanda MP Chris Omulele said youths should be given the first consideration when contracts are being given to encourage the growth of young SMEs.

He said it was wrong for the government to ignore youth-owned enterprises yet it promised jobs for them during campaigns.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi said the youth were full of energy and still clean and therefore would not be easily corruptible.