The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife suspended payments for KICC renovations after different project costs were presented.
According to the committee, a Chinese contractor informed the committee that the renovations done before the Africa Climate Summit cost Ksh3.1 billion.
However, other subcontractors informed the committee that the project cost Ksh1.9 billion. Notably, this was also the cost approved by parliament before the conference championed by President William Ruto last year.
Therefore, owing to the differences in the costs, the committee led by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki noted that it would be prudent for the committee to establish the authentic costs before any money is paid out.
"The House appropriated Ksh1.9 billion for the renovations but another figure of Ksh3.19 billion by the Chinese firm has been tabled before us.
"The Committee has stopped any payment to the Chinese firm until the matter is settled amicably," the MP stated.
Consequently, the Mbiuki-led committee revealed that it would be summoning the Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and managers of the Chinese firm to explain the differences in cost.
Duale was among those listed for summons because the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was the primary body handling the renovations.
Meanwhile, the MPs also lamented the late payment to subcontractors engaged in the multi-billion facelift.
According to the committee, 14 companies were subcontracted by the Chinese firm and were yet to be paid for participating in the renovations.
"The committee has raised a red flag over the delayed payment of at least Ksh600 million owed to the 14 contractors who renovated the KICC.
"I want to assure the contractors that the Committee will prosecute the matter with all fairness, the chair added.
KICC was renovated last year after Kenya offered to host the first Africa Climate Summit. The event was attended by over 10 Heads of State and other global dignitaries.
The renovations involved a major facelift of the conference halls, cleaning of exterior walls, renovations of the gate, pavements and the planting of flowers.
