The High Court has given Nairobi County Government 14 days to respond to a petition challenging the ongoing cabro paving, pedestrian walkway and non-motorised transport works in the Central Business District.
The petition has been filed by human rights activist Francis Awino, who wants the court to stop the project, arguing that it is being implemented in breach of constitutional and procurement requirements.
Justice Dr Nabil Mokaya Orina directed the respondents to respond to the petition as the matter proceeds through the normal court process.
Awino is challenging public works being undertaken along Haile Selassie Avenue, Moi Avenue, Taifa Lane, the Kencom area and adjoining streets within Nairobi’s CBD.
He has sued the Nairobi City County Government, the County Executive Committee Member for Roads, the Chief Officer for Roads, the Joint Steering Committee established under the National Government-Nairobi County Cooperation Agreement and the Attorney-General.
The activist argues that the project was undertaken without compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements relating to public participation, procurement, transparency and accountability.
He wants the court to quash decisions, approvals, procurement processes and contracts relating to the project and issue orders stopping further implementation of the works.
Awino is also seeking access to key project documents, including procurement plans, tender documents, contracts, bills of quantities, payment records and other records relating to the works.
The petitioner has further asked the court to direct the respondents to put in place adequate safety measures at construction sites, including warning signs, barriers and pedestrian diversions.
According to court documents, some sections of the CBD have been left excavated or blocked by the construction works, making parts of the walkways impassable and exposing pedestrians to safety risks.
APERIT FM, HII NI YETU
