Public-interest activist Francis Awino has moved to the High Court in Nairobi seeking financial records and procurement disclosures relating to a KSh17 billion groundwater project targeting drought-prone counties in northern Kenya.
The petition raises questions about the management, expenditure and implementation of the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project, which seeks to improve water security in communities affected by recurrent drought and water shortages.
Awino is seeking access to financial and procurement records to establish how funds allocated to the programme have been spent and what infrastructure has been delivered to intended beneficiaries.
In directions issued on October 29, 2026, Justice Nyaudi Patricia Mande ordered Awino to serve the petition and accompanying application on the respondents and interested parties by November 5.
The respondents and interested parties were directed to file their responses within 14 days of service, or by November 20, according to the court directions.
Awino was also granted seven days from service of the responses to file a further affidavit. The matter is scheduled for mention on February 10, 2027, to confirm compliance and receive further directions.
KSh17 billion groundwater project under scrutiny
The petition concerns the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project, a World Bank-supported programme implemented through Kenyan water-sector institutions.
According to the court filings, the project aims to strengthen groundwater management and improve water security in Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa counties.
Awino estimates Kenya’s component of the programme at approximately US$135 million, equivalent to about KSh17 billion.
The petitioner argues that the scale of the investment warrants transparent accounting of funds received, expenditure incurred, contractual commitments and infrastructure delivered.
Activist seeks contracts, payment records
Among the documents Awino wants disclosed are approved budgets, expenditure reports, contracts, tender documents, payment certificates and records detailing implementation progress across the five counties.
The petition also seeks information on exploratory boreholes, groundwater monitoring wells and related infrastructure, including their locations, completion status and operational condition.
The requested records are intended to help establish whether expenditure corresponds with completed works and whether the programme is meeting its stated objectives.
Awino is further seeking clarification of the respective responsibilities of the Water Resources Authority, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, the Water Sector Trust Fund and officials involved in implementation.
EACC, Auditor-General named in petition
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Auditor-General have been named as interested parties in the proceedings.
Awino is seeking orders for the preservation and disclosure of relevant records, alongside an independent examination of the project’s financial and procurement processes.
The petition also asks the court to make declarations concerning the accountability obligations of the institutions involved and issue any further orders it considers appropriate.
The allegations contained in the petition have not been determined by the court. The October 29 directions dealt with procedural timelines and did not establish wrongdoing or determine the merits of the case.
