How 596 Million for Naibor-Ilpolei Road Project in Laikipia was Looted

The Naibor-Ilpolei road, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in the region, was allocated a substantial budget of Ksh 596 million in 2021.

A significant road construction project in Laikipia County has come under scrutiny following allegations of corruption.

The contract for the project was awarded to Hussein Guleid Abdille and Abdullahi Hassan Guleid, directors of Shibli Enterprises Limited, raising questions about the transparency of the process and the subsequent use of funds.

The Project and Its Importance

The Naibor-Ilpolei road, located in Laikipia, was intended to provide a crucial link between rural communities and the rest of the county, facilitating easier access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. The allocation of nearly Ksh 600 million underscored the government’s commitment to improving the region’s infrastructure and boosting economic growth through enhanced transport networks.

Questions Surrounding the Contract Award

Despite the promise of the project, concerns have surfaced regarding the legitimacy of the contract awarded to Shibli Enterprises Limited.

Hussein Guleid Abdille and Abdullahi Hassan Guleid, the company’s directors, secured the contract amidst claims that the tendering process may not have adhered to proper procurement procedures.

Allegations have arisen that the bidding process was influenced by individuals with vested interests, undermining the fairness and competitiveness of the tendering system.

There are also accusations that the funds allocated for the road’s construction were misappropriated, with little progress made on the actual project. Residents of Laikipia have expressed frustration, citing poor workmanship, incomplete sections, and long delays in the road’s construction, despite the hefty sum allocated.

Broader Implications of Corruption

This case is part of a broader pattern of corruption within Kenya’s public works sector, where major infrastructure projects are often plagued by mismanagement and graft.

Naibor- Ilpolei road in Laikipia was allocated 596 Million in 2021 to
Hussein Guleid Abdille and Abdullahi Hassan Guleid of Shibli Enterprises Limited. pic.twitter.com/vlm3ztgie0

— Morara Kebaso (@MoraraKebasoSnr) October 14, 2024

The misuse of funds meant for public development has severe consequences, particularly in rural regions where residents rely on improved infrastructure to access essential services.

Corruption in infrastructure projects also negatively affects economic growth, as poorly constructed or incomplete projects hinder the flow of goods and services.

In the case of the Naibor-Ilpolei road, the failure to deliver on time has left residents stranded, impacting local businesses and their ability to reach markets and customers.

Calls for Accountability

The growing concerns about the Naibor-Ilpolei road have prompted civil society groups and local leaders to call for an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds. Transparency International Kenya and other anti-corruption organizations have urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate Shibli Enterprises Limited and the officials responsible for overseeing the project.

These organizations have called on the government to hold public officials and contractors accountable for any wrongdoing. They argue that addressing corruption in such projects is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that future infrastructure initiatives benefit the communities for which they are intended.

Here are the Documents: https://www.kerra.go.ke/images/tenders/2021/june/HQ/ram/F-58-TENDER-DOCUMENT-FOR-NAIBOR-ILPOLEI.-june-FINAL.pdf

The Road Ahead

As investigations into the Naibor-Ilpolei road project continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Kenya faces in combating corruption. Without robust systems to prevent, detect, and punish graft, critical development projects will continue to be undermined, leaving citizens deprived of the benefits they deserve.

Residents of Laikipia are now demanding answers and tangible results. The focus must remain on ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purpose, and those found guilty of corruption are held accountable. This case, if properly addressed, could set a precedent for better management of public resources, ensuring that future projects deliver on their promises.