Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi addresses leader and stake holders during the launch of Rapid Results Initiative at Bofa Inn in Kilifi on January 25, 2014. The governor's hunt for a house ended after Ecstatic Wind Properties won the tender to sell him a house at Sh140 million. PHOTO | FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP
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When Ecstatic Wind Properties won the tender to sell a house to the Kilifi County governor at Sh140 million, it ended the long search for a residence befitting the status of the county CEO.
The company had outbid six bidders.
The closest competitor, Castle House, was selling their property for Sh189 million.
After valuation, the county government paid the Sh140 million for the beachfront house near the Kilifi Old Ferry.
The house, the purchase of which has sparked criticism from county leaders, has all the modern features––five bedrooms, a large swimming pool, a conference room, a modern kitchen and a tastefully furnished office where the governor can hold meetings.
There is also a three-bedroom servant quarters. The compound has a tunnel leading to the ocean, meaning visitors can arrive by boat on the Indian Ocean, anchor their vessel and use the tunnel to access Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi’s residence.
Set on a three-acre plot, it is about 100 metres from the shore; the tunnel begins at a hole inside the compound that leads to a jetty.
Documents seen by the Sunday Nation indicate that the government valuer had put the cost of the house at Sh145 million.
DUE PROCESS FOLLOWED
When news of the purchase was leaked through social media, Kilifi County Secretary Dr Owen Baya called a press conference to address concerns over the purchase.
Dr Baya said everything, from the tendering procedure to the valuation and its purchase, was “ above board, in good faith and in the interest of Kilifi people.”
“We advertised the tender for the requirements of the house befitting the governor’s status. After the tender was advertised in the local dailies, seven property holders made bids... At the conclusion of the process, Ecstatic Wind Properties was accepted and the house purchased,” he said.
“Proper procedures and processes were followed. Out of the seven properties that were tendered, only three bidders were selected by the tendering board.”
“Proper procedures and processes were followed. Out of the seven properties that were tendered, only three bidders were selected by the tendering board.”
“A team comprising the government valuer and the county assembly committee on public accounts and investment inspected the three houses and the house near the Old Kilifi Ferry was chosen because it met the requirements as advertised.”
SHARP CRITICISM
But despite Mr Baya’s assurances, the county government is being accused of getting its priorities wrong.
A former chairman of the defunct Kilifi County Council Anthony Kingi , said it does not matter if the correct procedure was followed. He said the economic status of Kilifi people should have mattered.
“If we look at Kilifi town as we know it, there cannot be a house going for that price. Something went wrong somewhere. And even if the process was right, how can we have a governor spending Sh140 million to buy a house while people go hungry,” he said.
Mr Kingi, however, said buying the house was not a priority but if there was need to buy one it should have been cheaper.
“Sometimes it makes me wonder whether elected leaders know their mandate to wananchi. Buying a big house with people crawling on the ground as a result of hunger does not make sense,” he said.
CUTTING COST
However, Kilifi County Assembly Investment committee chairman Duncan Kaingu said the assembly was consulted and visited the three houses.
“The house is spacious and has a conference room where the governor can meet his cabinet and can host up to 20 people. This can cut the cost for hiring a hall,” said Mr Kaingu.
According to James Mulei who vied for the Ganze parliamentary seat last year, the governor erred in buying a big house while people are suffering.
“We have bad roads, neglected schools and other priorities. With the chain of problems seemingly not having a solution, I was shocked to learn that the governor had indeed purchased a big house worth Sh140 million on the beach. This is not about a good process but rather a misuse of public funds,” he said.
Mr Mulei blamed the members of the county assembly for remaining quiet about the matter that will have a big impact on the people of Kilifi.
But Mr Baya insisted the county government had to buy a house befitting the governor’s status.
“He is the president of this county and should be respected. It is because of his status that it was decided that the house was fit for him to stay,” he said.
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