Members of the Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs & Energy, led by Hon. David Pkosing (Pokot South), expressed concerns over the delays in the construction of the Likoni Road Bridge during an inspection visit to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) on Mombasa Road.
Hon. Pkosing emphasized the importance of ensuring that government projects are completed on time and deliver value to the public. "Every government project should be completed within the required timeline and be useful to the people of Kenya," he said, underlining the committee's commitment to scrutinizing projects that affect public welfare.
The inspection, which also included KURA Director General Eng. Silas Kinoti and Kenya Railway Corporation (KRC) Director Eng. Mwania Mativo, focused on the progress of the Likoni Road Bridge, Enterprise Road, and Shreeji Road projects. These initiatives, which began in October 2020, have faced significant delays. The Auditor General flagged these delays in an audit query, raising concerns over the progress of the work.
The project, which was awarded to a construction company in September 2020 for Kshs. 892,661,116, was slated for completion by September 2022. It also included a 36-month performance-based maintenance contract worth Kshs. 13,250,790. However, the bridge and associated roadworks remain unfinished.
In response to the concerns, Eng. Kinoti revealed that major works on the bridge had been completed, but only 86% of Enterprise Road and 73% of Shreeji Road had been accomplished. He clarified that the planned expansion of the Likoni Bridge had been excluded from the project due to new requirements from Kenya Railways, which were not part of the original scope.
Hon. Duncan Mathenge (Nyeri Town) raised concerns about the additional costs for the Likoni Bridge expansion. Eng. Kinoti explained that the expansion was not part of the original budget, and thus, additional resources would be needed to implement the new design.
Hon. John Ariko (Turkana South), Vice-Chairperson of the Committee, suggested that KURA and Kenya Railways should discuss joint funding for the bridge expansion to ensure the project meets the needs of the country. He also criticized the project’s delayed timeline, emphasizing the need for prompt action.
Following the inspection, Hon. Pkosing directed Eng. Kinoti to ensure that the construction of the Likoni Bridge is completed by June 2025. However, he indicated that the proposed expansion of the bridge to accommodate a 7.1-meter clearance for the electric railway would be considered when the railway project is closer to implementation.
"The government has invested in this project to manage traffic congestion in the Industrial Area, and the public must get value for money through its immediate completion," Hon. Pkosing concluded.
The Auditor General’s office also emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the resources allocated to this project to ensure the prudent use of government funds.
As the project moves forward, the committee remains committed to holding relevant stakeholders accountable for its timely and efficient completion, ensuring that the Likoni Bridge serves its intended purpose of alleviating traffic congestion and benefiting the public.
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