Official explains 27-year delay in Knec office project

By NGARI GICHUKI

Nairobi, Kenya: Political interference, corruption and misplaced priorities have been cited as the main reasons for the 27-year delay in construction of the new Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) centre.

According to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Public Works Directorate Secretary Moses Nyakiongora, the delay had caused the cost of the project to shoot up from the initial Sh350 million to over Sh3.5 billion.

He was speaking during a tour of the construction site organised to inspect and assess the ongoing work.

Nyakiongora said the project was still a viable investment as it will save the council over Sh60 million in monthly rent.

He said Knec staff would be able to occupy and work from part of the complex by the end of June.

The whole project is expected to be completed by the end of the year as agreed in a performance contract between the ministry and Parliament.

Nyakiongora dismissed claims of any feud between the ministry and the main contractor over payment and assured the public that plans were in place to ensure a constant flow of resource to facilitate the smooth completion of the project.

“Since the project was started it faced many obstacles some of which were motivated by personal interests. But the previous and current governments have worked to pump back life into this project and ensure its completed,” said Nyakiongora.

The Managing Director of Ongata Works Gibson Wambugu, the main contractor, said the project was on course.