Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has renewed his criticism of President William Ruto over the government’s handling of information concerning the proposed Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu.
In an update on Wednesday, October 7, Sifuna accused the administration of frustrating efforts to access government documents through Parliament.
He argued that calls for Kenyans to use formal channels to obtain public information were undermined by what he described as resistance within Parliament.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Photo: Courtesy.
Sifuna said a similar situation had emerged over efforts to obtain details of the proposed Lamu refinery through the Senate, adding that he would continue pushing for the disclosure of information on the project.
The senator had on Friday, October 2, written to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Energy on the proposed refinery.
Sifuna said he supports development and foreign investment but insisted that major infrastructure projects must comply with constitutional requirements on transparency, accountability, public participation and sustainable development.
He cited Articles 201 and 227 of the Constitution, which provide for transparency and accountability in public finance and procurement.
The senator wants the Energy Committee to disclose records relating to the refinery, including details of public participation, community concerns, financing arrangements and the government’s financial contribution.
He is also seeking information on the project’s implementation model, the source of government funding, value-for-money assessments and the beneficial owners of the project and companies involved in its implementation.
Sifuna said the information should be made public before construction of the refinery begins, citing Article 35(3) of the Constitution, which provides for access to information held by the State.
