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The National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works convened a crucial engagement meeting with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the State Department of Public Works.
Led by Hon. Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), the Committee sought clarity from the Ministry on several fronts, including the mandate of the State Department of Public Works, the roles of the Board of Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS), and the National Construction Authority (NCA).
Calls for Action on Stalled Projects
During the session, Hon. Mugambi pressed the Ministry to provide a comprehensive report on the actions taken by Public Works over the last three years and the status of stalled projects. “We need to see your action plan to address stalled projects. What steps are being taken to rectify this?” Hon. Mugambi demanded.
Support for Local Contractors and Quality Assurance
Committee members also voiced concerns about safeguarding the interests of local contractors, ensuring quality assurance, and enhancing project management practices. They emphasized the importance of enforcing the 30% rule, which mandates that 30% of contracts be awarded to local contractors to foster business development.
Coordination Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Addressing the Committee, the Ministry’s Cabinet Secretary, Ms. Alice Wahome, acknowledged the coordination challenges, noting that housing is primarily the responsibility of the Counties. She highlighted that while most development controls are managed through County approvals, her office oversees certain aspects.
CS Wahome called upon the Committee members to support the reinstatement of the Construction Levy, previously waived by an Executive Order, and the adoption of the National Building Code 2024 to bolster the State Department of Public Works.
Progress and Commitments from the Ministry
In response to legislators’ concerns, the Permanent Secretary for the State Department of Public Works, Mr. Joel Arumonyang, showcased completed projects such as Talanta Plaza, Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, and the upcoming Bunge Tower. He also clarified that some stalled projects had been transferred to other departments due to budgetary limitations.
The Ministry assured the Committee that 30% of contracts are strictly awarded to local contractors. Additionally, the NCA’s Board of Management has requested increased funding to extend its reach across all 47 Counties and has pledged to address misconduct cases involving contractors.
The Committee urged the NCA to operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the State Department of Public Works in overcoming the challenges facing the construction sector.
The engagement meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the National Assembly Committee and the Ministry to address the challenges and pave the way for a more robust and sustainable public works sector.
