Puzzle of Nairobi’s oldest construction site

The Kenya National Examinations Council’s New Mitihani House in Nairobi’s South C has been under construction for the last 30 years, earning itself the title of the city’s oldest construction site.

How the building, which was meant to house Knec headquarters, has remained under construction for three decades despite numerous budgetary allocations remains a puzzle to many observers.

The building that has gone through the hands of several builders appeared to be on track in 2013 when the council hired M/s Ongata Works Limited to complete the project in a deal sum valued at Sh1.49 billion for 78 weeks – which was later pushed to March 2017.

However, the work stalled at 59 per cent forcing Knec to terminate the contract. – a move that Auditor-General Edward Ouko says will cost taxpayers more money.

“As at June 30, 2018, the council had paid Sh818.3 million net of retention while certified works stood at Sh891.3 million representing 59 per cent of the original contract sum,” he said, adding that Knec did not explain the mismatch between the certified level of works and level of project completion.

The council, which is reportedly facing some tough cash flow challenges, is yet to hire a new contractor.

“With the cancellation of the contract, management risks legal suit from the contractor and this may further delay the completion of the project,” Mr Ouko said in a statement.

The auditor said the council did not provide a road map on how it intends to complete the project, warning that delays in completion would lead to cost escalation, a situation that would deny stakeholders value for their money.

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