How proposed changes will see MPs mint billions from state projects

Members of Parliament and other State Officials to reap billions from mega projects should a new bill sail through the House.
The bill will pave room for rich politicians and their well connected circles to mint billions from large infrastructural projects being undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza administration. The bill is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly this week.
It is one of a raft of bills seen by Kurunzi News and which could become law before MPs break for long recess.
A source, who sought anonymity, told Kurunzi News that the mischief, hidden in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Amendment Bill, 2024, will allow political big boys to supply material and other equipment to foreign contractors operating in the country.
The legislative proposal states that for a foreign firm to win a contract exceeding KSh1 billion, it must partner with a local firm and allow the latter a third of the contract value.
This means that a company which for instance, wins a tender of KSh10 billion must cede Sh 3.3 billion of the value to a local partner.
In other words, all contracts awarded to foreign entities must have at least 30% local ownership.
“A foreign firm shall be eligible for procurement of contracts of more than one billion shillings where the foreign firm has entered into a joint venture procurement with a local firm for not less than thirty percent of the value of the procurement,” states the bill sponsored by Molo MP Kimani Kuria who is the Chairman of the National National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee.
The government is currently undertaking key infrastructural projects under the KK manifesto, including those associated with Adani of India.
Should the bill be assented to by President Ruto, it see the mushrooming of billionaires hiding under the law.
In the bill’s memorandum, Kuria argues that the proposed law is meant to promote local businesses.
He has also given a proposal that all contracts under KSh1 billion be reserved for local entities.