Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga has lauded the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for its renewed efforts in the fight against corruption.
Speaking during an interview with the DCI on May 10, 2021, Mainga praised the George Kinoti-led agency for its efforts in curbing corruption by keeping other state agencies and parastatals in check.
Over the last two years, Kenya Railways has enjoyed a massive re-birth, following the rehabilitation of rails and repair of 'sleeping' locomotives and coaches.
"There are numerous gains from DCI’s involvement in fighting corruption. I can assure you today that not only Kenya Railways, but most other government agencies are now keen on how and where to spend,” Mainga stated.
During the interview, the DCI and Mainga, highlighted a series of financial decisions and projects undertaken by Kenya Railways over the last few years, also taking note of the milestones achieved.
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The KR MD revealed that some of the projects undertaken and completed by the agency had been massively overpriced, creating a loophole for corruption.
In August 2020, KR concluded the refurbishment of the Nairobi-Nanyuki Meter Gauge Railway at a cost of Ksh1.8 billion, a price Mainga noted was way lower than the amount requested by contractors.
"Contractors had asked for Ksh18 Billion to rehabilitate the Nairobi-Nanyuki Railway line but Kenya Railways did it at Ksh1.8 Billion. Two years ago, a foreign company had bid to repair 20 coaches at a total cost of Ksh250M. Kenya Railways staff did it at Ksh80M," DCI revealed.
Out of the two projects, Kenya Railways saved about Ksh16 billion of taxpayers money from corrupt companies.
The DCI has recently stepped up the fight against corruption, sending a warning to companies, agencies, and individuals against engaging in the act.
