The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a petition in court seeking to halt the procurement of 25 traffic cameras valued at Sh6.1 billion, citing a lack of due diligence, public participation, and transparency in the process.
In its court documents, LSK argues that the procurement was undertaken in contravention of constitutional principles of good governance and accountability. The legal body has listed key government officials as respondents, including the Transport Cabinet Secretary, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney General.
According to LSK, multiple requests for disclosure of procurement details, feasibility studies, and public participation records were ignored by the government. The society sought evidence of public participation, such as media advertisements, written memoranda, and attendance registers from public hearings, but claims no such records were provided.
The Ministry of Transport reportedly approved and implemented the project, arguing that the traffic cameras and related systems would help address congestion in Nairobi. However, LSK maintains that the cost of the project is excessive compared to the benefits, suggesting that the targeted junctions could be managed by traffic police at a much lower cost.
“The ongoing implementation of the project imposes a financial burden on taxpayers,” LSK states in its court documents, adding that transparency is essential for such significant public expenditure.
LSK is seeking court orders to suspend the project’s implementation and compel the government to disclose full details of the procurement process, including feasibility studies and cost breakdowns.
Justice Chacha Mwita, upon hearing the petition, directed that the application be served on the respondents ahead of a court session scheduled for Wednesday next week. The ruling on whether the project will be halted pending further legal proceedings is expected to be a key issue in the hearing.
This case highlights growing concerns over government procurement processes, with calls for increased accountability and citizen involvement in major infrastructure projects. As the legal battle unfolds, taxpayers and governance advocates will closely watch the court’s decision on this contentious procurement deal.
