Only a week after inviting bids, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has, in a midnight swoop, terminated a tender for the long-sought expansion of Kiambu Road, a move that bred more queries than answers.
In a statement made on Monday, the authority indicated that the earlier invitation of proposals by Chinese contractors is no longer applicable.
Even as KeNHA remains silent on the cancellation, speculation is high. Some players believe that the action might be because of a financial delay or reconsideration of the extent of the job.
Others object to claims that the tender was being given to Chinese firms exclusively, a move that caused an uproar over unfairness and competitiveness.
The project was to be financed by a loan from China’s EXIM Bank, with an estimated cost of KSh 38.7 billion.
Along with road expansion, the plan included footbridges, new bridges, and U-turns to improve flow and safety on the busy stretch.
Many are now wondering when or if the road will ever get the long-promised facelift with the tender off the table and no new timeline in sight
