This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
July 23, 2019
The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) is facing a crisis following the arrest of senior officials implicated in the multi-billion shillings Arror and Kimwarer dams projects.
Administrative and financial management has been paralyzed in key departments after detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested the managers.
Among those arrested is acting Managing Director Francis Kipkech.
Several others have gone underground, affecting smooth operations at KVDA.
Finance, supply chain management, technical, and administration departments have been severely impacted.
KVDA board chairman Jackson Kiptanui said they are waiting for directions from the Ministry of East African Community on how the authority will handle the current challenge.
"The organisation cannot run without a chief executive officer and we are waiting for communication from the ministry as soon as possible," Mr Kiptanui told the Nation.
He added that activities in other departments are running effectively despite 16 senior officials being implicated in the dam scandal.
The EACC has intensified the search for other suspects who have gone underground following the arrest directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji.
Others arrested on Monday include KVDA tender committee member David Juma Onyango and ad hoc Technical and Financial Evaluation Committee Clerk Charity Muui.
They are among 28 suspects, including National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, wanted over the alleged embezzlement of over Sh21 billion meant for the two dam projects in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
