BY PRUDENCE WANZA –
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced steps to revoke the work permits of four Chinese nationals implicated in the assault of a KeNHA officer.
In a statement issued to newsrooms, the authority expressed concern over reports of the incident, which occurred last week. KeNHA confirmed that on May 21, 2019, it expelled the involved staff from the project site and has formally recommended the cancellation of their work permits.
“In addition, we have instructed that the four Chinese employees and one Kenyan staff member involved in the assault be replaced within 21 days,” the statement read.
The individuals in question—four Chinese contractors and one Kenyan—had been working on the Loichangamatak–Lodwar road project in Turkana County. They were arrested and charged in court following the physical assault of a KeNHA officer. However, the suspects were released on Tuesday after the charges were reportedly dropped.
KeNHA has also written to China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group, the company overseeing the project, citing the misconduct as a violation of contract terms.
“These measures are being taken without prejudice to any current or future criminal proceedings related to the actions of the staff involved,” the authority clarified.
