Senators are preparing for a confrontation with the national government over what they describe as unfair awarding of infrastructure contracts to foreign firms, sidelining local contractors in the process.

At the centre of the storm is a controversial procurement process for the expansion of Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway.

Lawmakers have raised concerns after it emerged that the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) restricted eligibility for the tender to only Chinese contractors or consortia led by Chinese firms.

The tender was later abruptly cancelled under unclear circumstances.

Speaking on the matter, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said the provision was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

“The condition raises serious concerns about the fairness, inclusivity, legality of this procurement process, particularly in view of our constitutional principles on competition, non-discrimination and value for money in public procurement,” he stated.

According to Senator Onyonka, KeNHA’s invitation to bid included a clause that locked out all other potential bidders except Chinese contractors, citing conditions tied to funding from China Exim Bank.

Although the tender had been floated, the procurement process was cancelled before the closing date of August 22, 2025, without any explanation from the agency.

Senators now want clarity on whether any Kenyan contractors or joint ventures involving local firms were considered when developing the eligibility requirements.

In response, the Senate Roads, Transport and Housing Committee, chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, has been directed to investigate the matter.

The committee will determine whether KeNHA's procurement approach aligns with existing laws, particularly the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, and whether it adheres to bilateral or multilateral financing agreements.

“We expect the committee to recommend measures to ensure that future infrastructure projects promote fair competition, enhance local participation and uphold transparency and accountability in procurement processes as per the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” said Onyonka.

Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute added that the issue is not isolated to the Kiambu Road project.

He noted that such exclusive arrangements favouring foreign companies are widespread and are increasingly locking out Kenyan contractors across the country.

KeNHA plans to expand the corridor into a four-lane dual carriageway. The upgrade forms part of a road infrastructure project funded by the China EXIM Bank.

The initiative, officially titled the "Capacity Enhancement of Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) Road and Adjacent Road Network", targets crucial links between Nairobi and Kiambu County.

It is a key component of the government’s broader agenda to decongest traffic, boost road safety, and strengthen connectivity in the eastern Nairobi Metropolitan region.

KeNHA, which is overseeing the project, has invited eligible Chinese contractors to submit prequalification applications under Tender No. KeNHA/2889/2025. The submission deadline is Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 am EAT.

According to the official tender notice, the project will cover the Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi stretch and key spurs, including Ridgeways Road, the Kiambu–Thika Road link, and UN Avenue through Runda. Several key junctions along the corridor are also slated for upgrades.

“The project will also improve the level of service and safety for road users and enhance accessibility through service roads and non-motorised transport facilities,” KeNHA stated.

The works will be carried out in line with the FIDIC Silver Book standards.

Construction will entail upgrading the current two-lane road into a four-lane dual carriageway, along with the development of new interchanges, bridges, and pedestrian infrastructure, including walkways and footbridges.

A total of six pedestrian footbridges are planned along the project route.

KeNHA noted that the upgrade is designed to ease traffic congestion along the corridor and enhance mobility between Nairobi and Kiambu.

“Upgrading of the entire project road to a four-lane dual carriageway, including pedestrian walkways, will ensure better service delivery,” the authority said.

The entire construction is expected to take 36 months, with a defects notification period of 24 months.

In addition to the main road works, the project will also include the installation of road furniture, signage, traffic management systems, and designated bus bays to support public transport.