Legislators Raise Concern Over Delays In Likoni Bridge Project

The Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy has expressed concern over delays in completing the Likoni Bridge project in Nairobi, despite millions of shillings already spent.

The committee, chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, toured the project site during an inspection visit to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) offices along Mombasa Road. The team also visited other ongoing projects including Enterprise Road and Shreeji Road, which are part of the same improvement package.

“We must ensure that every government project is completed within the set timeline and delivers value to the people of Kenya,” said Pkosing.

According to the Auditor-General’s report, the roadworks contract—formally known as Improvement of Nairobi Lot 2: Upgrading of Shreeji Road and Parts of Likoni and Enterprise Roads—was awarded in September 2020 at a cost of Sh892 million, with a completion deadline of September 30, 2022. An additional Sh13.2 million was allocated for a 36-month maintenance plan after completion. However, as of now, the project is still incomplete.

KURA Director General Silas Kinoti told the committee that major works are done, with 86% of Enterprise Road and 73% of Shreeji Road completed. He added that only 0.18 kilometers of work remains on the Likoni bridge section.

“Expansion of the existing bridge was excluded due to new requirements from Kenya Railways,” Eng. Kinoti explained.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge questioned whether KURA would bear the cost of the proposed expansion on the Likoni bridge. Kinoti said the changes were not part of the original budget and would require additional funding.

Turkana South MP and Committee Vice Chair John Ariko called for KURA and Kenya Railways Corporation to jointly fund the expansion. He also raised concern over the long delays in the project’s implementation.

The Committee directed KURA to complete the bridge project by June 2025.

However, the proposed expansion to raise the bridge to 7.1 metres and widen it by 2 metres would be considered later when the electric railway project is being implemented.

“This project is critical in easing traffic congestion in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. The government has invested heavily, and Kenyans must get value for their money,” said Pkosing.

Officials from the Office of the Auditor-General, who accompanied the MPs, emphasized the need for Parliament to engage closely with such projects to ensure proper use of public funds.