National Irrigation Authority CEO Charles Muasya On The Spot Over Tender Irregularities

Internal discord and allegations of procedural violations plague key government irrigation agency

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) finds itself at the center of growing concerns over its tender procurement processes, with Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya facing mounting criticism from both internal stakeholders and industry observers.

Sources within the parastatal indicate that Muasya’s leadership style has created significant tensions with senior management, particularly with officials who served under his predecessor, Gitonga Mugambi.

The discord appears to center around what insiders describe as a departure from established procurement protocols.

Key figures reportedly at odds with the current administration include Daniel Atula, Deputy General Manager for Corporate Affairs; Jairus Serende, Director of Irrigation; Joseph Kiragu, Deputy Director of Irrigation Infrastructure Development Services; and Florence Ndai, Director of Planning and Strategy. These senior officials allegedly feel marginalized in critical decision-making processes.

The procurement department has become a particular flashpoint, with Assistant Director of Supply Chain Management Evelyn Akoth and Director of Irrigation Management Services Loise Kahiga reportedly raising concerns about current practices.

Staff members describe a centralized approach where “the CEO is everything” in tender decisions.

Board member Ubah Kahiye has also drawn scrutiny for her involvement in procurement matters, with staff members noting her influence over tender awards.

Known as “UK” within NIA circles, Kahiye’s direct intervention in procurement processes has raised questions about proper governance protocols.

Several high-value tenders have come under particular scrutiny, including major irrigation projects across multiple counties.

These include the Ketut Mokoro Irrigation Project, Ugoti Marega Irrigation Project, Lari Escarpment Belt Irrigation Project, Amboseli Irrigation Water Project, Adich Gorge Dam Irrigation Project, and Nyamaji Irrigation Project, all with submission deadlines in May 2025.

Currently active tenders, including consultancy services for the Athi Dam Project in Kilifi County and similar projects in Kitui and Taita Taveta counties, continue to generate significant industry interest.

The Athi Dam consultancy tender, with a July 8, 2025 deadline, represents substantial consultancy work for detailed design review and construction supervision.

The situation reflects broader challenges within Kenya’s procurement system, where parastatals must balance efficiency with transparency requirements.

NIA’s mandate to develop irrigation infrastructure across the country makes its procurement processes particularly significant for agricultural development and food security initiatives.

Board Chairman Gilbert Maluki, alongside other board members including Mary Mwiti, George Githae, Daniel Odero, Samuel Alima, Laban Kiplagat, Samuel Onyango, and Victor Momanyi, oversee the organization’s strategic direction.

Kiplagat, who serves as alternate Principal Secretary for the State Department of Crop Development, brings additional government perspective to the board.

The internal tensions at NIA come at a time when the organization plays a crucial role in Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The authority’s work in developing irrigation infrastructure directly impacts food security and rural livelihoods across the country.