This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
Kenya's infrastructure development is marred by high-level corruption, impunity, and nepotism, as evidenced by the recent Director General position advertisements by the Ministry of Infrastructure. The applicants for the position are facing intense scrutiny, with several engineers from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) being questioned over their integrity issues.
James Gatitu, a KeNHA engineer, is one of the applicants who has raised eyebrows. He is being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly giving false information in his wealth declaration form. Gatitu has also been accused of awarding contracts to his cronies and relatives while in charge of the fuel levy and awarding.
Another KeNHA engineer, Engineer Kandie, has also applied for the position. He has been accused of being involved in corruption while deputising Gatitu. Engineer Kandie has also been linked to Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
Other applicants who are facing scrutiny include Engineer Ariga, who worked as a director for urban development for a decade, and Engineer Omuomo, a close confidant to Machakos Governor. The applicants will have to undergo vetting by the National Intelligence Service before being cleared for the position.
According to sources within the Ministry of Infrastructure, the applicants will have to be vetted by the National Intelligence Service and a report handed to Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia for action.
Published on May 18, 2020
