Senator Cherargei questions Bunge Towers 14-year construction period

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei addresses the media at Parliament buildings on April 17,2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is questioning the prolonged construction of Bunge Towers, which has spanned fourteen (14) years.

The lawmaker has demanded that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) clarify the reasons for this delay.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, April 17, Cherargei highlighted that the construction of Bunge Towers begun in 2010, with an initial budget of Sh5.89 billion.

However, he noted that the budget was subsequently revised to Sh7.1 billion, leading to increased interest due to delayed payments and other unspecified variations, ultimately totaling Sh9.6b.

He is now seeking accountability from the PSC regarding the allocation and utilisation of these funds.

"It is interesting when we compare Bunge towers with the Central Bank Pension towers that took not less than three and half years to be completed...yet it is a 27-storey and an ultra-modern building that cost Sh3billion. Therefore, compared to Bunge towers, we used an extra of Sh6 billion," he noted.

Bunge Towers, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Senator has urged the PSC to furnish relevant documents, including completion certificates, certificates of occupation, and certificates of public health. Additionally, he demands explanations regarding pending works and outstanding bills awaiting payment.

Earlier in the week, The Standard reported that Members of Parliament have started the process of moving into the up-to-the-minute offices domiciled at Bunge Towers.

According to communication by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, the occupation of Bunge Towers will be conducted in a phased approach; the first phase will see all MPs currently in Harambee SACCO Plaza who were allocated offices in the Tower immediately relocate to their new offices.