The Law Society of Kenya has filed a case in court seeking to halt the procurement of 25 traffic cameras for Sh6.1 billion by the government.
In its court papers, LSK claims the procurement was undertaken without due diligence, public participation and a transparent process.
LSK in its court documents names the respondents as Transport CS, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney General.
The society alleges that they sought evidence of public participation, such as media adverts, written memoranda, and attendance registers of minutes of public hearings from the respondents but none was availed.
This, LSK states, is against the principles of good governance and accountability as required by the constitution.
According to the court documents, the Ministry of Transport reportedly approved and implemented the project for the procurement of 25 traffic cameras and related systems at Sh6.1 billion in a bid to allegedly address traffic congestion in Nairobi.
Its implementation according to LSK will impose a significant financial burden on taxpayers.
"The ongoing implementation of the project imposes a financial burden on taxpayers," LSK states in its court documents.
LSK claims they have made multiple appeals for disclosure of procurement details and justification for the project but the same has been ignored.
Seeking court intervention, LSK wants a conservatory order issued suspending the project's implementation.
Also sought is an order compelling the respondents to furnish them (LSK) with full details of the government process, including feasibility studies, cost breakdowns and public participation reports.
“The project is far too costly compared to its potential benefits, especially considering that the same junctions could be managed by police officers at a fraction of the cost,” LSK states.
Justice Chacha Mwita after hearing from the petitioner directed the application be served on the respondents ahead of a hearing session on Wednesday next week.
