The Ministry of Defence spent Ksh38 million to clean windows and cabros at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
According to a report filed by Parliament on Tuesday, April 30, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) took over the renovation works after the government terminated the contract of the first firm.
In the process, the Ministry of Defence spent Ksh28,690,968 spent on cleaning cabros and Ksh10,000,000 on cleaning facade windows.
These expenditures shocked the Mbeere North Constituency MP Geoffrey Ruku who labelled them as outright theft.
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"I can see you have indicated here that you have used Kshs. 28 Million in cleaning cabros and Kshs. 10 Million in cleaning windows, this is outright theft, we have a responsibility as Kenyans to use taxpayers' money prudently," Ruku stated as quoted by parliament.
In a quick retort, Patrick Mariru, the PS of the Ministry of Defence insisted that the taxpayers' money was accounted for during the renovation process.
"I have a responsibility as a PS and as a Kenyan to make sure that the taxpayer's money is used prudently and accounted to the last penny, " said the PS.
During the meeting with the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Maara Constituency MP Kareke Mbiuki, James Mwaura the KICC CEO informed the Committee that the initial renovation estimate was Ksh400 million, with 50 per cent payment disbursed to the first contractor.
However, the contract was terminated, and the Ministry of Defence subsequently took over, quoting a renovation cost of Ksh1.9 billion in their bill of quantities (BQs).
Patrick Mariru shed light on the genesis of these renovations, attributing them to an emergency call for preparations to host the 4th Africa Climate Summit in September 2023. KICC was chosen as the venue but required significant upgrades to meet international standards.
