Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has explained why government development projects can sometimes take longer than expected, saying delivery involves a detailed process that goes far beyond advertising a tender and awarding a contractor.
Speaking during his latest Baraza Digital podcast, Sakaja said what residents may perceive as delays often involve several stages that must be completed before machinery can move to site. Using road construction as an example, he explained that a county road project begins with identification and prioritisation through development plans, ward needs, engineering assessments and available funding. The project must then be incorporated into the relevant plans and approved budget, followed by surveys, designs, specifications, preparation of the Bill of Quantities and costing by county engineers. Public participation is also undertaken throughout the planning process to ensure that residents’ priorities are taken into account.
“A government project does not begin with a tender advertisement. There is a whole process of planning, budgeting, design and public participation before construction can begin.”
The project then moves into procurement, where the tender is prepared and advertised in accordance with public procurement laws. Bids are opened and evaluated against technical, financial, experience and compliance requirements. Sakaja noted that the lowest bid does not automatically win, as the successful contractor must meet the prescribed requirements and be the lowest evaluated responsive bidder where applicable. The award is followed by the necessary approvals, notification, contract signing and site handover before the contractor can mobilise and begin construction.
However, Sakaja noted that even after a project has reached the procurement or award stage, its implementation can sometimes be delayed when a party moves to court over an issue relating to the procurement or project. Such legal proceedings can slow down implementation as the county is required to comply with the court process before proceeding.
“Sometimes residents see a project as delayed, yet there are legal or procurement processes that must be completed before the contractor can move to site.”
Where there are no legal impediments, construction proceeds, with county engineers or consultants supervising and measuring the works to ensure they meet the approved designs and required standards.
Sakaja further explained that awarding a tender does not mean a contractor is immediately paid. Contractors are paid for work actually completed and certified by the responsible engineer, after which payment claims go through the county’s financial processes. Once the road is completed, it undergoes final inspection and the applicable defects-liability process, during which the contractor may be required to rectify any defects before the project is formally closed.
The Governor said understanding this process is important in helping residents appreciate that government delivery is not simply about announcing a project.
“Delivery is not simply announcing a project. It is taking it through planning, procurement, construction, verification, payment and completion.”
He said the various stages are necessary to ensure public projects are properly planned, procured, constructed and accounted for before residents can see the final result on the ground.
