Residents of Gem Constituency have raised concerns over the construction of a multi-million shilling building at Mutumbu Comprehensive School, urging authorities to uphold transparency and accountability.
The project, funded by the National Government Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has sparked suspicion among locals who claim they have limited information about its cost, tendering process, and timelines.
In a petition addressed to their area Member of Parliament, Elisha Odhiambo, a local group, Voice of Gem (Duond Jo Gem), demanded the immediate installation of a transparency board at the construction site.
“We, the people of Gem, fully support the construction going on at Mutumbu Comprehensive School, but we demand that a Transparency Board be put up at the site,” reads the petition.
The petitioners emphasized that government regulations require all public construction sites to display key project details, including cost, scope, timelines, and executing entities, to foster public oversight and participation.
The residents have given MP Odhiambo seven days to act, warning that failure to respond could lead to public demonstrations.
“We will mobilize the community if this issue is not addressed promptly,” the petition states.
John Ogam, chairman of the Gem CDF, admitted he was unaware of the project’s cost and directed inquiries to the Funds Manager or the school administration.
“What interests do you have in Gem to inquire about local projects?” Ogam questioned.
The existence of the project was confirmed by Gem Yala Deputy County Commissioner Evans Moses Otieno, who estimated its cost at about Sh30 million. He acknowledged the necessity of public participation in all government projects and invited residents for consultations, promising to follow up with CDF officials regarding the allegations.
MP Odhiambo defended the initiative, stating, “The construction is done within the stipulated requirements.” Meanwhile, a staff member at the CDF office clarified that the project cost Sh28 million and comprises a single-storey building with 11 classrooms and five offices.
The residents have also written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the National Construction Authority (NCA), urging investigations into potential conflicts of interest, compliance with public procurement laws, and adherence to construction standards.
