By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has cancelled tenders for several road projects that it had advertised recently.
KURA in April invited applications for tenders for several multi-billion projects across the country.
But after the tenders came to light, a section of Kenyans was up in arms accusing the agency of skewed allocation of the projects.
Most of the legislators, especially from the Azimio coalition claimed the new tenders were favouring Mount Kenya constituencies.
But amid the concerns from legislators, KURA said it had cancelled the tenders.
The agency however did not give the reason behind the latest move.
“This is to bring to the attention of the general public cancellation of all tenders that were advertised in MyGov Newspaper on 16th April 2024 and the subsequent notice, addendums and clarifications,” read a public notice signed by Deputy Director on behalf of the Director General.
Reacting to the cancellation, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni wa Muchoma said it was an indication their issues were heard.
Wamuchoma was among the leaders who raised issues with the proposed projects.
“Speak to the stone even if it has not responded assume it has heard since the winds will show. These are signs of the message home” the legislator who has since been branded a rebel said in a post on her verified X handle.
Earlier this week, legislators took to their social media pages to hit out at KURA for the proposed road projects.
Many claimed the projects favoured national assembly majority leader Kimani Ihcungwa’s constituency – Kikuyu.
“Kikuyu constituency alone has received ksh 1.4B for road maintenance while entire western region comprising of 5 counties and 39 constituencies has only ksh50m inside Kakamega state Lodge. @MusaliaMudavadi and @HonWetangula
between two of you and @KIMANIICHUNGWAH who is no. 3 in the ruto government?” asked Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
Similar sentiments were also shared by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo.
“#Shareholders Nonsense, One Constituency (Kikuyu) gets Kshs I.5Billion, While Siaya County gets NOTHING! With 3 MPs safely bagged in KK! So Much For “Joining For Development “.., Awuoro,” the senior counsel said.