The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife revealed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) spent Ksh 38 million for the renovations of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) ahead of the Africa Climate Summit in 2023.
The committee stated that the Defense Ministry allocated Ksh 28 million for the renovation works which included cleaning cabros from the VIP Entrance Gate to the main entrance of the KICC and Ksh 10 million for cleaning facade windows.
While appearing before the committee, Defense Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru stated that the renovations were necessitated by an emergency call for preparations to host the 4th Africa Climate Summit in September 2023.
He explained that KICC was chosen as the venue but required significant upgrades to meet international standards.
Defense Ministry Scrutinized Over Cleaning Amount
Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku labeled the expenses as outright theft and demanded to know the detergents and the equipment that was used in cleaning.
“I can see you have indicated here that you have used Ksh 28 million in cleaning cabros and Ksh 10 million in cleaning windows, this is outright theft, we have a responsibility as Kenyans to use taxpayers’ money prudently,” said Hon. Ruku.
“What kind of detergent or materials were used to clean the windows and the Cabros? I know that windows, carpets and Cabros are cleaned using a detergent like Omo and water.”
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He further said that the KDF should be prudent in the utilization of public money while undertaking projects on behalf of government entities.
However, the PS denied MP Ruku’s claims, arguing that the Ministry of Defence quoted a cost for cleaning the Cabros that was four times lower than what the KICC had tendered and awarded to the contractor who had initially assumed the renovation works.
“The KICC had awarded the tender for cleaning of Cabros at Sh4,200 per square meter but we reduced it to Sh1,200 per square meter which is four times lower,” the PS said.
The exposure followed a recent meeting between the Committee and the Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies- SAGAs on budget implementation and monitoring for the Financial Year 2022/2023 and the first half-year of 2023/2024.
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KDF Used Ksh. 1.9 B to Renovate 4 floors and the Amphitheatre at KICC
In that meeting, KICC CEO James Mwaura informed the Committee that the initial renovation estimated cost was Ksh 400 million, with 50% payment disbursed to the first contractor.
However, the contract was terminated, and the Ministry of Defence subsequently took over, quoting a renovation cost of Ksh. 1.9 billion in their bill of quantities (BQs) for the first four floors and the Amphitheatre at the KICC.
Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo expressed concerns about the continuation of the Ministry’s involvement in the renovations.
The PS, however, assured that the Ministry’s role ended after the work was completed, and the conference held successfully.
“There is work we did, and we have exited the scene, any new construction will have some issues,” the PS said.
“I have a responsibility as a PS and as a Kenyan to make sure that the taxpayer’s money is used prudently and accounted to the last penny.”
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