LSK wants state’s Sh6.1 billion traffic cameras deal stopped for lack of transparency

LSK wants state’s Sh6.1 billion traffic cameras deal stopped for lack of transparency

The society claims it sought evidence of public participation, including media advertisements, written memoranda, and attendance records of public hearings, but none was provided.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has moved to court to stop the government's Sh6.1 billion procurement of 25 traffic cameras, arguing that the process lacked due diligence, public participation, and transparency.

LSK has listed the Transport Cabinet Secretary, Speaker of the National Assembly, Secretary to the Cabinet, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and Attorney General as respondents in the case.

The society claims it sought evidence of public participation, including media advertisements, written memoranda, and attendance records of public hearings, but none was provided. According to LSK, this contravenes the principles of good governance and accountability outlined in the Constitution.

Court documents indicate that the Ministry of Transport approved and implemented the project to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi.

However, LSK argues that the project's financial burden on taxpayers is unjustifiable.

"The ongoing implementation of the project imposes a financial burden on taxpayers," the society states in its court documents.

LSK further alleges that repeated requests for procurement details and justification have been ignored.

The society is now seeking a conservatory order to suspend the project's implementation.

LSK also wants the court to compel the government to disclose full details of the procurement process, including feasibility studies, cost breakdowns, and public participation reports.

"The project is far too costly compared to its potential benefits, especially considering that the same junctions could be managed by police officers at a fraction of the cost," LSK states.

Justice Chacha Mwita has directed that the application be served on the respondents ahead of the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

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