Sh60 Million Painting Tender Sparks Storm at Nairobi City County Assembly

Nairobi City County Assembly has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of irregularities surrounding a Sh60 million tender for the painting and renovation of committee rooms, pitting Members of County Assembly (MCAs) against the House leadership.

The controversial tender has reportedly triggered sharp divisions among the 123 MCAs, with a section openly accusing the Assembly leadership—led by Speaker Ken Ngondi, Clerk Edward Gichana, Majority Leader Peter Imwatok, and three other senior officials—of presiding over a flawed procurement process.

At the centre of the storm is a company allegedly linked to controversial businessman Abdikhani Ibrahim, which was awarded the lucrative contract.

Dissenting MCAs claim the cost of the project was grossly exaggerated and that the tendering process was manipulated to favour the firm.

Sources within the Assembly say tempers have flared during internal meetings, with some legislators demanding the immediate suspension of the project pending an independent review.

“There is no justification for spending Sh60 million on painting and minor renovations at a time when critical services in our wards are underfunded,” said one MCA, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

The matter has now attracted the attention of investigative agencies, with reports indicating that some MCAs have invited the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe the tender.

The Assembly leadership is yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, but insiders say pressure is mounting for full disclosure of procurement documents and valuation reports related to the project.

The unfolding scandal adds to a growing list of procurement-related disputes that have dogged the Nairobi City County Assembly, raising fresh questions about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.