MPs calls for expeditious completion of Garissa high court

Members of the National Assembly's Public Accounts Committee have called for an expeditious completion and occupation of the new Garissa High Court.

The lawmakers said the delayed use of the building does not give citizens value for money.

They spoke at the construction site in Garissa on Tuesday.

Garissa Township MP Aden Duale who led the team in the absence of committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi and vice-chair Jessica Mbalu said the team will liaise with the budget committee and the National Treasury to allocate funds for completion works.

“This building is part of the 39 law courts funded jointly between the Kenya government and the World Bank.

"As a committee and the National Treasury, we came to see the status of the project, completion period, value for taxpayers’ money and when the building will be occupied,” Duale said.

“We can confirm that the handover of this project by the contractor to the Judiciary is slated for September 25. We are also happy that the Judicial Service Commission and the chief registrar have bought all the furniture and ICT equipment, we are also calling on them to expedite their installation,” he added.

Duale said the committee had asked for documents touching on a few issues regarding the project to be availed to them.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo called on the Judiciary and the contractor to hasten the occupation process and improve service delivery to the people.

“This project was long overdue, the delayed occupation does not constitute value for money. That is why we are here to request the JSC, the contractor and all stakeholders including the World Bank and the National Treasury to expedite and have the place occupied,”  Oundo said.

“We hope by November, the building will be occupied so that Kenyans from all walks of life can get value for the public funds spent,” he said.

He called on contractors to always finish projects on time and allow taxpayers to enjoy value for their money.

Gatanga MP Joseph Nduati said the project was worth Sh351 million. He urged the state to continue supporting local contractors by awarding them tenders below Sh2 billion.

“Looking at the work which has been done here, it is quite impressive. I am very happy that this has been done by a local contractor.

"That is why in Parliament, we are talking about the need to support local contractors because they employ local labour, use local material and improve their skills for bigger jobs,” Nduati said.

Also present was Sirisia MP John Walukhe, Subukia MP Samuel Gachobe and officials from the Judiciary and the National Treasury.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)