Allegations of departmental restructuring and favoritism have emerged at the Athi River Water Works Development Agency following Michael Thuita's appointment as CEO in 2022. Internal sources indicate Thuita has replaced senior managers with associates, placing critics in acting roles while consolidating control over key departments.
Acting managers under scrutiny include Joseph Kariuki (Corporate Services), Alphaxard Kitheka (Sewerage and Sanitation), and Jones Mwinzi (Supply Chain Management), who reportedly maintains close ties with Chinese contractors. Kitheka's oversight of a World Bank-funded Nairobi slum sanitation initiative has drawn attention, as has Mwinzi's role in procurement processes.
A 2021 tender awarded to Jiangxi Water and Hydropower Construction for a Sh1.7 billion sewer project sparked controversy. The Chinese firm, which completed work in Shanggao County from 2017 to 2019, lacked local experience in Kenya. The contract, covering 120km of pipeline installation, was approved by a committee chaired by Bonnie Nyandwaro, a senior agency official.
Documents reveal the tender process faced scrutiny over missing inspection committee details and unexplained contract modifications. The project, funded by the African Development Bank, bypassed Kenya's requirement for foreign firms to have local representatives. A 2020 tender number (AWWDA/NARSIPI)/W-03/2020 was cited in the award process.
The agency's board includes Beryl Okumu (Chairperson) and representatives from the National Treasury and Ministry of Water. Investigations into procurement practices continue as questions persist about compliance with local regulations and transparency standards.
