Today's Headlines
- Lessons and Implications of the Confirmation of Charges Against Kenya's 'Ocampo Four'
- Finance Minister Quits Over ICC Charges
- Shortage of HIV Test Kits Raises Concerns
- Living On the Edge in Turkana Region
- Ali Breaks Silence, Describes Delight At Acquittal
- Uhuru, Ruto Eligible for Presidency - CIC
- Tea Sector Posts Record Earnings in 2011
- Resettle IDPs, Urges Annan
- Uhuru, Muthaura Have Done the Right Thing
- All Displaced People Should Return Home
- Concern Raised As Parents Shun Schools in Poll Violence Hotspots
- Ruling On IEBC Hiring in February
- Country Working Towards Conditions Needed for Direct Flights to U.S.
- How ICC Claimed Kibaki's Lieutenants
- Geothermal Project to Receive Sh10 Billion Funding Boost
- Five Million to Get IDs Before Elections
- Speed Up Building Port
- Uhuru and Muthaura Did Well to Quit Posts
- A Full Plate Awaits Githae
- Clashes Continue in Moyale
- Baraza Case to Be Heard Monday
- Two Firms in Joint Venture to Drill for Oil Near Lodwar
- Exit Uhuru, Muthaura
- ICC Charges Hound Uhuru Out of Treasury
- Consumers Grow Despite Inflation
- Poor Relations Between Banks Blamed for Cash Shortages
- Fish Prices Up As Vegetable Supply Dwindles
- Consumers to Pay More for Milk and Bread As Prices Rise
- Kibaki Tasks Ex-Dar CJ to Lead Probe in Kenya
- Mombasa Port Cargo Congestion Forces Three-Month Fees Waiver
John Ngirachu
1 September 2010
Nairobi — The Public Works ministry was Wednesday blamed for the blunder that resulted in the demolition of two blocks of houses at the Central Police Station even before they had been occupied.
The two blocks were pulled down in June to make way for the expansion of University Way, which is a part of the expansion of Thika Road.
The flyover to be constructed above the Globe Roundabout will land on the area next to the police lines and necessitated the demolition of the two blocks of houses.
In Parliament, Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojode said the ministry had acted on the advice of an Engineer Nyakuti from the Public Works ministry and gone ahead with the construction.
He said Internal Security would now surcharge Public Works for the loss of the Sh16 million used to put up the two blocks of modern police lines at the station.
But he was also put to task on that.
"The minister has been complaining in this House about the shortage of houses for the Police. Can he tell us who is to blame?" asked Nyakach MP Pollyns Achieng.
Mr Ojode said a meeting was held on the site on January 25, 2008 and the said engineer had the following day said the flyover would go in the direction of the Old Nation Roundabout.
Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat accused the government of failing to plan properly in these and many other projects, prompting Mr Ojode to respond.
"Public Works has issues, even with Constituency Development Fund projects. I think it is a well known fact that Public Works has been doing badly," said Mr Ojode.
Garsen MP countered that even if Public Works were to be surcharged and made to pay, the Kenyan taxpayer would be the ultimate loser since he finances all the ministries.
It was then Mr Ojode said the ministry would then have the option of surcharging Engineer Nyakuti or any other of their officers if they are deemed to have misguided their work.
