NAIROBI, Kenya – A section of senators has raised concern over the government’s increasing use of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in implementing public infrastructure projects, warning that the trend could undermine transparency and limit civilian economic participation.
Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute on Friday sought a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing over what he described as a “rising and worrying trend” of engaging the military in construction works traditionally handled by civilian contractors.
Chute cited the construction and renovation of stadiums among projects undertaken by the KDF, questioning the procurement methods used and calling for accountability in instances where open tendering was bypassed.
“The Committee should disclose the procurement method adopted for each public infrastructure project implemented by the KDF since 2020 and justify every case where open tendering was not used,” said Chute.
Transparency and oversight concerns
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi faulted the government for potentially violating the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and the Public Finance Management Act, saying military-led projects are shielded from the same level of public scrutiny applied to civilian contractors.
“People argue that the military is disciplined, but we can also instill discipline in our civilian systems to ensure value for money. Involving the KDF in such projects reduces transparency,” Osotsi said.
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu echoed similar sentiments, calling for clarity on the framework guiding the KDF’s involvement in civilian projects.
“We respect the KDF, but they should focus on their core mandate. Assigning them construction work could deny opportunities to local contractors and limit the circulation of funds in the economy,” Nyamu said.
KDF’s role defended
However, several senators defended the military’s participation, saying it was legal and efficient. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina noted that the Ulinzi Construction Company, established under the KDF in 2021, was legally mandated to undertake public projects.
He also cited the ongoing Critical Infrastructure Bill, 2024, which formalises the military’s involvement in such works.
“Sometimes we are driven by private sector interests, but what the KDF is doing is within the law,” Olekina said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot added that procurement laws allow government entities to contract each other in urgent cases without going through lengthy public tender processes, arguing that such arrangements are not profit-oriented.
“Most Chinese firms building in Kenya are state-owned enterprises. We too can strengthen our own government entities like KDF to handle major projects,” Cheruiyot said.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla said there was no harm in the military contributing to development projects, provided they operate within the law.
“Since KDF personnel are trained and paid from the public purse, it is acceptable for them to participate in community development, as long as legal frameworks are followed,” she said.
The debate comes amid growing scrutiny of the military’s expanding role in non-security sectors, including road and housing projects, stadium construction, and national clean-up drives.
Supporters argue that the KDF delivers projects faster and with greater discipline, while critics fear its dominance could weaken civilian oversight and stifle private enterprise.
