A Nakuru based political activist and aspirant James Kaka wants the State to investigate contractors who win tenders but carry out shoddy roads repair jobs.
Kaka who unsuccessfully vied for the Menengai Ward County Assembly Representative seat in the last general elections on a Narc-Kenya Party ticket, in an interview with this reporter in his office on Monday claimed that some local politicians and county government officials were colluding with road construction company to steal tax payers’ millions of cash through dubious road repair and construction deals.
According to the outspoken young politician and businessman who intend to make a second attempt for the Ward Representative seat in the next general elections, the companies that win government tenders are owned by some senior county government officials and elected leaders, but registered under their associates names.
Kaka said that most roads repairs and construction among other public works projects receive shoddy works yet their budgets were over-whelming.
He added that some of the works never get finished or receive substandard works while others never kick off at all.
“It is a burning issue that the public needs to bring to the attention of the State for investigation and prosecution of people involved in the scams because millions of tax payers’ money are being swindled by people in government using their associates in the private sector. It is like the poor works are meant to make way for another tender and the process goes on in a circle as members of the public suffer. This should be unacceptable,’’ said Kaka.
He added, “There is evidence in record where some roads in most parts of this county are supposed to be tarmac but they are not. Some get minor repairs yet the procurement plan was supposed to be substantial works.
The issue of floods and impassable roads in some of the interior of the country can be a thing of the past if the State exercises transparency.”
Kaka added that poor state of most roads is adversely affecting economic activities of Nakuru County residents.