Nairobi Governor Sakaja explains why projects take time to get off the ground

Sakaja said residents often see a project as delayed without considering the steps that must be completed before a contractor can begin work.

He used road construction to illustrate the process, saying projects must first be identified and prioritised through development plans, ward needs assessments, engineering studies and available funding.

The proposed project is then incorporated into the relevant plans and budget before engineers undertake surveys, prepare designs and specifications, develop Bills of Quantities and determine the estimated cost. Public participation is also required during the planning process.

“A government project does not begin with a tender advertisement. There is a whole process of planning, budgeting, design and public participation before construction can begin,” Sakaja said during his Baraza Digital podcast on Wednesday.

The project then enters the procurement stage, where tenders are prepared and advertised and bids evaluated on technical, financial, experience and compliance requirements.

Sakaja said the lowest bidder does not necessarily win the tender, with the contract going to a bidder who meets the required conditions and is the lowest evaluated responsive bidder where applicable.

After evaluation, the award must undergo the required approvals before notification, contract signing and site handover. Only then can the contractor mobilise equipment and begin construction.

He said projects can face further delays when procurement decisions or other aspects of implementation are challenged in court.

“Sometimes residents see a project as delayed, yet there are legal or procurement processes that must be completed before the contractor can move to site,” he said.

Once construction starts, county engineers or consultants supervise and certify the work to ensure it conforms to approved designs and standards.

Sakaja also said awarding a contract does not mean the contractor is paid immediately. Payments are based on work completed and certified by the responsible engineer before claims are processed through the county's financial system.

Completed projects are subjected to final inspection and the applicable defects-liability period, during which contractors may be required to correct defects before the project is formally closed.

“Delivery is not simply announcing a project. It is taking it through planning, procurement, construction, verification, payment and completion,” Sakaja said.