This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
Kenya's infrastructure development is marred by corruption and nepotism, as evidenced by the recent Director General position advertisements by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
According to sources, KeNHA engineers are aggressively vying for the posts despite their integrity issues being questioned. James Gatitu, a key contender, is under investigation by the DCI for numerous contracts while in charge of fuel levy and awarding.
Gatitu, a sympathizer of the Tangatanga political outfit, hails from Eldoret and is being probed for giving false information in his wealth declaration form. He is accused of accumulating wealth from unscrupulous contractors and suppliers.
Engineer Kandie, another applicant, initially boasted about contributing to the Deputy President's 2022 presidential bid. However, he has no time for Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and is being scrutinized for declaring false wealth to the public service.
Other applicants, including Engineer Ariga, are also facing scrutiny for their wealth declarations. Engineer Kandie is accused of being embroiled in a corruption spectrum while deputizing Engineer Gatitu.
The situation at KeNHA is further complicated by a section of the management undermining the newly appointed board chairman, Engineer Ndirangu. They accuse him of being rigid and intimidating senior staff.
Sources within the Interior Ministry indicate that KeNHA engineers applying for the Director General posts at Kura and KeRRA will have to be vetted by the National Intelligence Service and a report handed to Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia for action.
