Former Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere shocked MPs when he admitted to have identified the firm awarded the Sh327 billion rail tender after a quick search on the internet.
Speaking when he appeared before the Public Investments Committee on Monday, Mr Mwakwere said he personally identified China Road and Construction Company to carry out a feasilibity study of the project.
He then “googled” the company on the internet and was satisfied it had the capacity to carry out the work.
He, however, told PIC members that he did not know its directors in Kenya, but confirmed that he was aware that its subsidiary had been blacklisted in Philippines over corruption allegations.
The former Matuga MP told committee members that the project was his initiative and that he takes full responsibility for the infrastructure projects during his tenure at the ministry.
He said CRBC agreed to fund the feasibility study and he secured Cabinet approval for the same.
According to Mr Mwakwere, his choice of CRBC was based on the fact that it had previously been involved in the construction of the Beijing- Shanghai high speed rail.
This was, however, disputed by committee members. Deputy chairman of the committee Kamau Ichungwah further said information available from Chinese authorities indicate that CRBC was among 10 other entities that were involved in the Beijing-Shanghai project and did not handle it alone.
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