The Senate Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources has taken action regarding the stalled Ksh24.8 million Changara Water Pan project, summoning key officials to provide explanations.

Those summoned include the World Bank Country Director, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, the Director-General of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, Patrick Wanjiku, and the CEO of the Ethics and Anti-graft Commission (EACC), Abdi Ahmed.

“The purpose of this letter is to invite you to a meeting of the Committee scheduled to be held on Thursday, May 22. The Committee is presently considering a Petition on the Changara Water Pan, a World Bank-funded project in Busia County,” the letter read in part.

The project, meant to provide water to over 5,000 Busia residents, has faced delays, sparking concerns over mismanagement and possible graft.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah speaking on July 11, 2023

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Okiya Omtatah

The summoning by the committee follows a petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in 2023, which compelled members to conduct a site visit to the project.

The impromptu visit, conducted on April 30, exposed disturbing findings that have continued to cause delays in the project.

“At its sitting held on 10th April 2025, the Committee considered the Petition during its site visit to the Changara Water Pan, Busia County, and resolved to invite you for a meeting to respond to the matters raised in the Petition,” the letter continued.

According to Omtatah, the findings revealed inconsistencies in the awarding of the tender. There was a conflict of interest in the award of the tender to a relative of the then-sitting Member of the County Assembly (MCA).

“Lack of transparency in procurement and denial of public oversight documents. Technical malpractice, including leaking, exposed pipes, and dangerously shallow barriers. The public was also not involved in a project meant for them,” Omtatah revealed.

The senator has assured that the Senate will continue to investigate the matter until there is accountability and justice, in a continued push to restore integrity to public service.

The Changara Water Pan Project is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to enhance water security and support agricultural activities, particularly under the Climate Smart Agriculture Programme.

Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed in February 2020, with subsequent phases extending into August and November 2020. However, delays have stalled its progress for over three years now, prompting scrutiny from concerned stakeholders.

Part of the Multi-million Changara Water Pan project, April 30, 2025.

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