Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich appeared at Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in 2019 to address allegations surrounding the Arror and Kimwarer dams project in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The investigation focuses on a Ksh.21 billion payment for the stalled hydro-electric and irrigation infrastructure, with claims of Sh28 billion misappropriation.
Construction of the dams, originally scheduled to begin in December 2017, faced delays amid financial irregularity allegations. Over 30 companies linked to the project have been summoned for questioning by DCI.
Rotich defended the Sh3.5 billion advance payment to contractors, stating it followed legal protocols. 'All projects, whether domestic or externally funded, are implemented in strict compliance with the law,' he said in a statement. He added the payment would be recovered through insurance or bank guarantees once work resumes.
Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui clarified his ministry was not involved, noting the dams fall under the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) under the East African Cooperation and Regional Development ministry. KVDA denied misconduct allegations, claiming projects remain on schedule and calling media reports 'misleading.'
