For the third time, the Management of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) has appeared before the National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs & Energy for questioning over audit queries in the Corporation's books between 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial year.

Members  led by Chairperson,  Hon. David Pkosing (Pokot South) questioned the KICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Patricia Ondeng on the queries noted by the Office of the Auditor General. (OAG) during the years under review.

Among the queries cited by the OAG were long outstanding debts including Kshs. 742.2 million which has been outstanding for over one year.

The OAG also noted that KICC's 18th floor was occupied by the private secretary to the 3rd President from 1st July, 2013 to 1st July, 2016 accruing a total debt of Kshs.36. Million though no lease agreement was provided for audit review. 

 The Committee also probed an existing dispute regarding ownership of the land on which the corporation stands.

The OAG noted that the land on which the Garden Square restaurant stands is under dispute between the Corporation and the County Government of Nairobi.

However, a letter from the Chief-of-Staff and Head of Public Service to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development clarified that the land in dispute has since been gazetted as a national monument and a part of the Corporation. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary was directed to urgently issue ownership documents to the Corporation. 

Hon. Pkosing raised concerns about KICC's failure to avail details of the contractual agreement regarding provision of security by the National Youth Service (NYS).

"We have noted you have been paying Kshs.3,100,000 monthly for the provision of security services NYS, why have the relevant documentation not been provided?" asked Hon. Pkosing.

The KICC team promised to avail the necessary paperwork during a subsequent meetings with the Committee.