Court Halts Nakuru County’s Ksh.2.1 Billion Roads Deal with NYS
Justice Julius Nangea certified the petition by Paul Muchiri and Kepha Omuyoma as urgent, issuing conservatory orders stopping the implementation of the deal signed on November 7, 2025
By : Mweru Mbugua
The High Court has suspended a controversial Ksh.2.1 billion roads maintenance agreement between Nakuru County and the National Youth Service (NYS), pending the determination of a petition challenging its legality
Justice Julius Nangea certified the petition by Paul Muchiri and Kepha Omuyoma as urgent, issuing conservatory orders stopping the implementation of the deal signed on November 7, 2025
The petitioners argued that the agreement was signed without following due procurement procedures or conducting mandatory public participation
The court also barred the county from approving or releasing any payments to NYS until the matter is heard
Parties have been directed to file responses within seven days and exchange submissions within 21 days ahead of the mention date set for January 19, 2026
Last week, Nakuru County entered into a memorandum of understanding with NYS to maintain all feeder roads under the Imarisha Barabara Programme for the next year
Following the court decision, several Nakuru leaders and MCAs welcomed the ruling, accusing Governor Susan Kihika’s administration of sidelining the County Assembly and breaching procurement laws
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Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja said the executive had been intimidating ward representatives to accept the MOU, questioning why the county sought NYS services despite already owning road construction equipment purchased by previous administrations
He faulted the county for ignoring the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which provides job opportunities to youth, women and persons living with disabilities
Another leader, Edward Maina, said residents were denied a chance to give their views, as the MOU was never subjected to public participation
The case will proceed after the January court mention as leaders continue to demand transparency and full adherence to the law in county projects
