Members of the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy have put the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) on the spot over delayed completion of several community irrigation projects, some of which have stalled for up to six years.
The concerns emerged as the Committee reviewed NIA’s financial records following queries raised by the Auditor General covering the period between the 2018/2019 and 2024/2025 financial years.
Delays Linked to Payments, Land Issues
During the session, the MPs cited multiple factors behind the delays. These include payment challenges, land ownership disputes, and failure by NIA to hand over projects that are already in their final stages to respective county governments.
Among the projects highlighted were the Water for Household Project Phase II in Mwatate, the rehabilitation works for Kerwa Dam in Mbeere South, the Kathanje Earth Dam in Tharaka Nithi, and the Iganjo/Silanga Water Pan in Murang’a.
The Committee also flagged stalled rehabilitation of major irrigation schemes such as Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme, Lower Nzoia Irrigation Scheme, and the delayed completion of Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga.
Service Gaps and Economic Impact
MP Pkosing noted that the prolonged delays have denied Kenyans access to essential water and irrigation services. He added that the situation has also resulted in missed employment opportunities that would have been created through the projects.
He emphasized the need for faster completion and proper handover to relevant government agencies, noting that this would ensure accountability and proper utilization of public funds.
“Ensure you have a discussion with the host counties, especially for projects whose routine maintenance is under the relevant county governments. That is the only way Kenyans can get value for money,” said Pkosing.
Audit Queries Raise Accountability Concerns
Beyond project delays, the Committee also raised concerns over failure by NIA to implement an internal audit management system.
According to the Auditor General, the system was procured at a cost of Ksh 6,499,736, with Ksh 5,531,461.36 already paid. However, it was established that the system is not being utilized by internal auditors.
Further queries were raised regarding lack of ownership documents and valuation records for property, plant, and equipment under the Authority.
In response, the Committee recommended that NIA’s legal team engage relevant government agencies to facilitate drafting of ownership transfer agreements where necessary.
The lawmakers maintained that resolving these issues is critical to unlocking stalled projects and ensuring that investments made using public funds deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
