Serious allegations of procurement irregularities, land mismanagement, judicial non-compliance, and investor intimidation have placed under intense scrutiny, raising fresh questions about governance during the tenure of Managing Director .
A review of court filings, audit reports, parliamentary proceedings, and investigative disclosures points to an institution facing significant accountability challenges, even as it oversees multi-billion-shilling infrastructure projects and manages vast public land assets.
Multi-Billion Tender Dispute
At the centre of the controversy is the Sh29.5 billion Nairobi Railway City Central Station project, a flagship urban redevelopment initiative partly supported by the .
The tender was awarded to (CRBC) despite a lower bid of Sh22.9 billion from (CCECC).
In January 2026, the (PPARB) ruled that CRBC’s bid was non-compliant, citing procedural violations, including the submission of both technical and financial proposals in a single envelope. The board nullified the award and directed a fresh evaluation.
However, Kenya Railways subsequently re-awarded the tender to CRBC, prompting a second appeal and raising concerns about adherence to procurement oversight decisions.
Investor Concerns and Dispute Escalation
The tender dispute escalated further following reports that representatives of CCECC were detained and deported shortly after challenging the award.
Court filings indicate that two company officials were picked up in and before being deported, prompting legal action and claims of harassment.
The developments have raised concerns among investors, with some analysts warning of a potential chilling effect on foreign participation in public tenders where procurement processes are perceived to lack transparency.
Separately, a legal notice linked to an official associated with the cites unfulfilled commitments in railway-linked real estate projects, further impacting investor sentiment.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
The (DCI) is also reported to be probing a Sh88.2 million tender allegedly awarded to a company linked to the Managing Director’s close associate.
Investigators have flagged concerns including possible irregular procurement processes, backdated documentation, and restricted bidding practices. The matter has drawn attention from civil society and lawmakers, with calls for further investigation if wrongdoing is established.
Land Management Concerns
Kenya Railways is also facing scrutiny over alleged irregular allocation of public land.
An audit reportedly identified over 500 parcels of railway land transferred to private individuals without proper authorisation, including prime properties in Nairobi, , and Nakuru.
In areas such as Embakasi’s Dupoto and Dafur settlement schemes, concerns have been raised over questionable compensation claims linked to public land.
Efforts by the (EACC) and the DCI to investigate some of these cases are reported to have faced delays, adding to accountability concerns.
Financial Pressures and Debt Burden
Beyond governance issues, the corporation is under financial strain linked to the (SGR), Kenya’s largest infrastructure investment.
According to the Office of the Auditor-General, Kenya Railways posted a loss of Sh28.17 billion for the financial year ending June 2025 and is operating with negative equity estimated at Sh121 billion.
Loan obligations related to SGR financing are reported to exceed Sh413 billion, with additional costs arising from penalties and accrued interest.
Concerns Over Compliance and Leadership
The corporation has also faced criticism over alleged non-compliance with court orders. In one instance, construction on a commuter rail project reportedly continued despite a High Court order halting the works pending a constitutional petition.
Observers argue that such actions, if confirmed, raise broader concerns about adherence to the rule of law.
Questions have also emerged regarding leadership continuity, with reports indicating that Mainga’s tenure expired in January 2026, yet no public update has been issued on succession or a competitive recruitment process.
Calls for Accountability
Stakeholders, including lawmakers and governance experts, are now calling for urgent intervention.
has described the corporation as “technically insolvent,” warning of broader risks to public finances if reforms are not implemented.
Key proposals include:
- A comprehensive forensic audit of Kenya Railways
- Accountability for any officials found culpable
- Leadership restructuring
- Measures to restore investor confidence through transparent processes
High Stakes for Kenya’s Infrastructure Agenda
Kenya Railways remains central to the country’s economic ambitions, with an infrastructure pipeline estimated at over Sh2.8 trillion.
However, the unfolding issues highlight the risks associated with weak governance in managing large-scale public investments.
As scrutiny intensifies, attention now turns to oversight institutions to determine whether the allegations will lead to substantive action—or become another unresolved chapter in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability in state corporations.
