The Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Maara Constituency MP Hon. Kareke Mbiuki, today convened a meeting with Hon. Patrick Mariru, the PS of the Ministry of Defence, to discuss the renovations and cost implications of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
This discussion follows a recent meeting between the Committee and the SAGAs on budget implementation and monitoring for the Financial Year 2022/2023 and the first half-year of 2023/2024. In that meeting, Mr. James Mwaura the KICC CEO informed the Committee that the initial renovation estimate was Kshs. 400 million, with 50% payment disbursed to the first contractor. However, the contract was terminated, and the Ministry of Defence subsequently took over, quoting a renovation cost of Kshs. 1.9 billion in their bill of quantities (BQs).
Hon. Patrick Mariru shed light on the genesis of these renovations, attributing them to an emergency call for preparations to host the 4th Africa Climate Summit in September 2023. KICC was chosen as the venue but required significant upgrades to meet international standards.
Questions arose regarding the cost discrepancy, with Hon. Abubakar (Nominated) querying the Ministry’s involvement and potential inflation of costs. The Ministry of Defence defended its actions, stating that they reviewed the costs downwards, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive comparison.
The MP for Mathioya Constituency Hon. Edwin Mugo expressed concerns about the continuation of the Ministry’s involvement in the renovations, to which the PS assured that their role was concluded once the work was completed and the conference held successfully. The PS welcomed the Committee’s visit to KICC to assess the renovations firsthand.
“There is work we did and we have exited the scene, any new construction will have some issues. We are happy to hear that the Departmental Committee on Tourism will visit KICC and see for themselves the work done,” said the Principal Secretary.
However, scrutiny intensified over the expenditure, particularly the Kshs. 28,690,968 spent on cleaning cabros and Kshs. 10,000,000 on cleaning facade windows.
The Mbeere North Constituency MP Hon. Geoffrey Ruku labelled these expenses as outright theft.
“I can see you have indicated here that you have used Kshs. 28 Million in cleaning cabros and Kshs. 10 Million in cleaning windows, this is outright theft, we have a responsibility as Kenyans to use taxpayers’ money prudently,” said Hon. Ruku.
“I have a responsibility as a PS and as a Kenyan to make sure that the taxpayer’s money is used prudently and accounted to the last penny, ” said the PS.
In conclusion, the PS expressed gratitude to the Committee for the opportunity to address their concerns, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the utilization of taxpayers’ money.
“I want to sincerely thank this committee for allowing us to appear before this Committee, with my CS we take seriously the invitation by Parliament because you are the representative of the people and any time we are called upon we will gladly make ourselves available,” said the PS.
Other Members present included; Hon. (Capt.) Ruweida Obo (Lamu East), Hon.Richard Kilel (Bomet Central), Hon. Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni), Hon. (Dr.) Edwin Mugo (Mathioya), Hon. Peter Shake (Mwatate), Hon. Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Hon. Alfred Mutai (Kuresoi North), Hon. Abdi Chome (Voi), Hon. Elizabeth Kailemia (Meru County), Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Lukuyani) and Hon. Abubakar Talib(Nominated).
