Parliamentary Committee Raises Concerns Over NSSF Projects
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture, led by Hon. Emanuel Wangwe, MP for Navakholo, has voiced significant concerns regarding the management and financial oversight of projects under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The committee’s scrutiny focused on the Nyayo Embakasi Estate Phase VI Project and the Hazina Trade Centre, revealing potential issues with financial propriety and procedural irregularities.
During the inspection of Nyayo Embakasi Estate Phase VI, Hon. Michael Wambugu questioned the rationale behind leaving an empty space after completing earlier phases of construction. The NSSF management explained that the phase was designed to utilize the remaining land, with conditional approval from the Nairobi County government. However, the committee was unsettled by the subsequent decision to halt the project, attributed by the NSSF CEO to “frustrations” within the board.
Vice-chairperson Hon. Caleb Amisi criticized the disorganized labelling of units, suggesting it indicated poor planning. NSSF management acknowledged cash flow issues that disrupted the project’s planned sequence but maintained that the project was approved as a single entity.
Further concerns were raised when it was discovered that land initially designated for a public school had been tendered for residential development. Hon. Wambugu questioned the legitimacy of this tender, noting a lack of necessary approvals and hinting at potential corruption. In defense, Mr. Koros, managing trustee of the NSSF, argued that residential development would enhance the land’s value, provided all procedural requirements, including public participation, were met.
The committee’s findings have prompted calls for deeper investigations and accountability measures concerning NSSF projects. The scrutiny underscores ongoing issues with the management and transparency of public investments.
The inspection included Vice-chairperson Hon. Caleb Amisi (Saboti), Hon. Jackson Kosgei (Nominated), Hon. Michael Wambugu (Othaya), Hon. Bernard Kitur (Nandi Hills), and Hon. Fatuma Jehow (Wajir County). The committee’s report is expected to lead to further action on ensuring financial and procedural integrity within the NSSF.
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