The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) recently launched an investigation into a tender scandal involving the Kerenga Airstrip in Kericho County.
The controversy centers on the allocation of Ksh 97 million for the expansion of the airstrip.
Allegations arose that the tendering process was manipulated, with claims of procurement irregularities.
A whistleblower, Belgut MP Nelson Koech, brought attention to the issue, accusing the winning firm of using fake documents and being linked to county officials, including the County Executive for Roads, who should not have been involved due to his official role.
EACC officials raided the county offices, specifically targeting procurement documents to aid their investigation.
They are looking into claims that certain individuals altered tender requirements, allowing ineligible companies to qualify for the lucrative contract.
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The tender’s budget had been inflated from an initial estimate of Ksh 25 million to almost Ksh 100 million, raising further suspicion of foul play.
Koech had initially supported the airstrip’s expansion but later retracted his stance, calling the project a scheme for looting public funds.
This incident has sparked significant public outcry, especially on platforms like X(Twitter) and TikTok, where Kenyans have expressed anger over the misuse of public resources.
The airstrip project was initially seen as a critical infrastructure upgrade for the region, with the potential to boost local tourism and economic activity, but its mismanagement has left the community disappointed and frustrated.
