Public Works Department raises concern over biting staff shortage

A shortage of technical staff is posing a challenge for the State Department for Public Works, the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works has heard.

The Principal Secretary, Joel Arumonyang, who appeared before the Committee chaired by Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno to shed light on affordable housing projects in the country, told members that the scarcity of technical personnel has created challenges in fulfilling the department’s responsibilities.

“Despite the heavy workload, as a department we currently have less than 400 technical staff. The small number of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and other professionals has hampered our service delivery,” Arumonyang (pictured below) said.

Ngeno questioned the adequacy of staffing in a vital department responsible for overseeing the implementation of the affordable housing project.

“The government’s ambitious affordable housing plan aims to deliver 200,000 units annually. This vision cannot be realized if the department responsible for maintaining industry standards and quality faces such a severe staff shortage,” Ng’eno said.

The chairperson directed PS Arumonyang to present a comprehensive report detailing the staffing requirements of the institution and any additional support needed to ensure the fulfillment of their mandate.

“We are fully committed to assisting the department in achieving its objectives. It is essential for public work technical staff to ensure that all Government projects adhere to professional standards, from design to completion,” said Ng’eno.

Earlier during the session, members raised concerns after it emerged that Sh218.7 million was spent to conduct repairs and renovations at the Parkroad Affordable Housing Project in Nairobi County. 

Responding to the Committee’s queries, PS Arumonyang cleared his officers of any wrongdoing, clarifying that they were not involved in the project’s initial design, approval, or construction phases, adding that their role was solely focused on certifying completion.