KACC moves to probe Nairobi Water over graft

By ALLY JAMAH

The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) has launched investigation at the troubled Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in response to widespread reports of graft.

A seven-member team from KACC will comb documents and interview staff at the company in the next 45 days to determine the extent of rot and recommend appropriate action.

Preventive Service Assistant Director Jane Onsongo disclosed on Monday that the officers might investigate specific individuals in the company for corruption if the team recommends so.

To co-operate

"If our investigators see a good reason to investigate certain people depending on the outcome of the probe, then we will do so," she said.

The company, which provides water to four million residents of Nairobi, is facing management troubles after its board was sent home last year over non-performance.

The current Managing Director is serving on an acting capacity.

Early this year, workers went on strike following a disagreement with the management after they joined a union.

Onsongo said KACC had received many reports about irregularities in the accounting procedures, metering, billing systems, procurement and bribery demands from company officials. "All these suggest loopholes in the operations of the company, which provide opportunities for corruption," she added.

The investigation will also review systems, policies, procedures and practices of the company to identify weak links that promote corruption and how to fix them.

Water PS David Stower said the company deserves a serious investigation due to a large amount of revenue unaccounted for.

money diverted

"The company should be having a monthly revenue of Sh1.2 billion instead of the current Sh300 million. We believe a lot of money could be diverted due to lack of proper billing systems," he said.

Acting Managing Director Phillip Gichuki promised to co-operate with KACC sleuths while admitting that corruption was rife in the company and should be curbed.

Nairobi Town Clerk Phillip Kisia claimed the water company was not delivering value for money to residents of Nairobi.

"Only 42 per cent of households in Nairobi have proper water connection and only 48 per cent are served by existing sewerage system," he said.