Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has explained why residents sometimes wait longer than expected for government projects to take shape, saying the process goes far beyond awarding tenders to contractors.
Speaking during his latest Baraza Digital podcast, Sakaja said a project such as road construction must pass through several stages before machinery can move to the site.
He said the process starts with identifying and prioritising projects through development plans, ward needs, engineering assessments and available funding.
The project must then be included in the relevant plans and approved budget. County engineers subsequently undertake surveys and designs before preparing specifications, the Bill of Quantities and project costs.
Public participation is also carried out during the planning process to ensure residents’ priorities are considered.
“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,” Sakaja said.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaks during a podcast./HANDOUTBids are opened and assessed based on technical, financial, experience and compliance requirements. Sakaja noted that the lowest bid does not automatically win, as the 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 a contractor can mobilise and begin work.
Sakaja said the process can face further delays if a party goes to court over procurement or other issues relating to a project.
In such cases, he said, the county must comply with the court process before proceeding with implementation.
“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,” he said.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaks during a podcast./HANDOUTOnce construction begins, county engineers or consultants supervise and measure the work to ensure it meets approved designs and required standards.
Sakaja also explained that awarding a tender does not mean a contractor is immediately paid.
Contractors are paid for work already completed and certified by the responsible engineer. Payment claims then go through the county’s financial processes.
After completion, the road undergoes final inspection and the applicable defects-liability process. The contractor may be required to correct any defects before the project is formally closed.
The governor said understanding the process would help residents appreciate that government delivery is not simply about announcing projects.
“Delivery is not simply announcing a project. It is taking it through planning, procurement, construction, verification, payment and completion,” Sakaja said.
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.
