The ODPP made the announcement in a statement dated July 19, 2025, after reviewing investigations conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The office said investigators had gathered enough evidence to support several criminal charges.
Investigations uncover alleged corruption scheme
According to the ODPP, the investigations revealed alleged inflated contracts, fraudulent payments, abuse of office, conflict of interest, and misuse of public funds.
The three projects aimed to improve water supply in Nakuru, Murang’a, Kitui, and surrounding areas.
However, investigators linked the projects to major financial losses, delays, and implementation challenges.
Officials and contractors face prosecution
The suspects recommended for prosecution include:
- Senior officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation.
- County officials from Nakuru, Murang’a, and Kitui.
- Directors of local and foreign companies involved in the projects.
- Consultants and contractors linked to project management and financing.
The ODPP also named former and current Permanent Secretaries, county officials, procurement officers, company directors, and business executives among those facing possible charges.
Projects at the centre of investigations
The alleged corruption relates to activities carried out between 2015 and 2022 during project planning, procurement, and implementation.
Itare Dam in Nakuru County faced abandonment after billions of shillings had already been spent.
Karimenu II Dam in Murang’a County experienced cost increases and alleged procurement issues.
Thwake Dam, located between Kitui and Makueni counties, faced delays and concerns over tendering processes.
Suspects to face corruption charges
The ODPP has directed that suspects face charges including:
- Conspiracy to commit corruption and economic crimes.
- Abuse of office.
- Failure to comply with procurement laws.
- Undertaking projects without required approvals.
- Acquisition of proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The ODPP has also informed the EACC to proceed with arrests and prepare the suspects for arraignment.
Case expected in Anti-Corruption Court
The charges are expected to be filed at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nairobi.
The move could lead to one of Kenya’s largest corruption cases involving major infrastructure projects.
The dam projects were initially presented as key investments in water security and food production but later attracted scrutiny over alleged mismanagement and financial losses.
Kenya watches next steps
The case adds to Kenya’s long-running fight against corruption involving large public projects.
Authorities and members of the public will now watch whether the investigations lead to successful prosecutions and convictions or become another delayed corruption case.
