Senate probes KeNHA Kiambu Road project over exclusive foreign tender restrictions
The tender, which has since been cancelled without explanation, was limited to Chinese contractors or consortia led by Chinese firms, sparking accusations of exclusion and discrimination.
Tensions are rising between senators and the executive over concerns that public infrastructure contracts are increasingly favouring foreign firms, with local contractors left out of major national projects.
The senators have taken issue with a tender issued by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for the planned expansion of Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway.
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The tender, which has since been cancelled without explanation, was limited to Chinese contractors or consortia led by Chinese firms, sparking accusations of exclusion and discrimination.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said the eligibility criteria listed in the procurement notice were unconstitutional and unfair to local businesses.
“The condition raises serious concerns about the fairness, inclusivity, and legality of this procurement process, particularly given our constitutional principles on competition, non-discrimination and value for money in public procurement,” he stated.
KeNHA had reportedly issued the tender in line with terms tied to funding from China Exim Bank, allowing only Chinese bidders.
However, the process was halted before the closing date of August 22, 2025, with no official reason provided for the cancellation.
Senators are now questioning whether Kenyan firms or joint ventures involving local participation were considered at all when setting the tender requirements.
Following the uproar, the Senate Roads, Transport and Housing Committee, chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, has been assigned to examine the issue. The committee will determine if KeNHA’s approach complied with procurement laws and whether it aligns with agreements tied to external funding sources.
“We expect the committee to recommend measures to ensure that future infrastructure projects promote fair competition, enhance local participation and uphold transparency and accountability in procurement processes as per the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” said Onyonka.
Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute echoed the concerns, saying this is not an isolated case. He said similar exclusions of Kenyan firms are common across other road projects funded by foreign partners.
KeNHA plans to expand the corridor into a four-lane dual carriageway. The upgrade forms part of a road infrastructure project funded by the China EXIM Bank.
The initiative, officially titled the "Capacity Enhancement of Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) Road and Adjacent Road Network", targets crucial links between Nairobi and Kiambu County.
It is a key component of the government’s broader agenda to decongest traffic, boost road safety, and strengthen connectivity in the eastern Nairobi Metropolitan region.
KeNHA, which is overseeing the project, has invited eligible Chinese contractors to submit prequalification applications under Tender No. KeNHA/2889/2025. The submission deadline is Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 am EAT.
According to the official tender notice, the project will cover the Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi stretch and key spurs, including Ridgeways Road, the Kiambu–Thika Road link, and UN Avenue through Runda. Several key junctions along the corridor are also slated for upgrades.
“The project will also improve the level of service and safety for road users and enhance accessibility through service roads and non-motorised transport facilities,” KeNHA stated.
The works will be carried out in line with the FIDIC Silver Book standards.
Construction will entail upgrading the current two-lane road into a four-lane dual carriageway, along with the development of new interchanges, bridges, and pedestrian infrastructure, including walkways and footbridges.
A total of six pedestrian footbridges are planned along the project route.
KeNHA noted that the upgrade is designed to ease traffic congestion along the corridor and enhance mobility between Nairobi and Kiambu.
“Upgrading of the entire project road to a four-lane dual carriageway, including pedestrian walkways, will ensure better service delivery,” the authority said.
The entire construction is expected to take 36 months, with a defects notification period of 24 months.
In addition to the main road works, the project will also include the installation of road furniture, signage, traffic management systems, and designated bus bays to support public transport.
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