NAIROBI, Kenya – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a case challenging the government’s Sh6.1 billion plan to procure 25 traffic cameras, citing a lack of transparency, public participation, and due diligence in the process.
In court documents, LSK has named several high-ranking officials as respondents, including Transport Cabinet Secretary, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Cabinet, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Inspector-General of Police, and Attorney General.
The society argues that despite multiple appeals for disclosure of procurement details, including feasibility studies, cost breakdowns, and records of public participation, no information has been provided.
LSK contends that such secrecy violates constitutional principles of good governance and accountability.
“The ongoing implementation of the project imposes a financial burden on taxpayers,” LSK states in its filings, questioning the justification for such a costly project when traffic control could be managed by police officers at a significantly lower cost.
According to the documents, the Ministry of Transport approved and launched the project, arguing that the high-tech traffic cameras and related systems would help ease congestion in Nairobi.
However, LSK insists the initiative is excessive and lacks clear justification for its staggering cost.
The society is seeking a conservatory order to suspend the project’s implementation until full details of the procurement process are disclosed.
It also wants the government compelled to provide documentation proving public participation in the decision-making process.
Justice Chacha Mwita has directed that the application be served on the respondents ahead of a hearing set for Wednesday next week.
