MPs turns heat on ex-Sports PS over stadium deals

The National Assembly has summoned former Sports Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia to explain how stalled stadium projects across the country were awarded to contractors under questionable deals.

The move comes after the National Assembly Implementation Committee raised concerns over irregular contracts and unfulfilled projects during Kaberia’s time in office.

Committee chairperson and Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala said Parliament is keen to get answers on why the projects have remained incomplete for five years despite large payments being made.

"We want him to come and shed light on this crucial matter, which has taken five years to be acted upon,” said Wanjala.

Kaberia is expected to appear before the committee during the week starting May 11, following a two-week notice issued by the lawmakers.

The committee is also questioning why individuals named in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigation have not been charged, despite clear findings and recommended action.

The EACC told the committee that it forwarded the investigation files to the Director of Public Prosecutions and is still waiting for a decision to proceed with prosecutions.

Among those the commission recommended for prosecution are the former PS and four others, including two foreigners involved in the projects.

"We want the DPP to review the files and recommend the next course of action to the EACC as soon as possible," Wanjala said after reviewing the EACC report on the stadiums.

According to the EACC, the Ministry of Sports, under Kaberia, broke procurement rules by directly awarding a lighting installation contract for Kipchoge Keino, Ruringu, Kasarani, and Nyayo stadiums.

The former PS is accused of approving an advance payment of 330 million shillings without following the required procedures.

The payment was made before the contractor delivered the work, and the advance payment guarantee expired in February 2018 without being renewed.

Another contract under scrutiny is a 995 million shilling deal given to Gregori International, a foreign company.

The EACC said Kaberia engaged the firm without proper negotiation and failed to appoint a team to inspect the work before releasing funds.

Despite the lack of any work delivered, the company received 220 million shillings.

The Ministry of Sports also accepted a payment guarantee that had not been approved by the Central Bank of Kenya.

In its report, the EACC raised concern that the ministry failed to disclose to the court, where Gregori International had filed a case, that the company had not done any work.

This, the commission said, may have affected the outcome of the case.

The committee now wants those responsible for the delayed and questionable stadium contracts to be held accountable, starting with the former PS.