Nairobi, April 28 -- A contractor building a paediatric emergency and burns management centre at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has abandoned the site over a Sh184.3 million debt, leaving the Sh2.9 billion facility undone more than five years after the contractual deadline.

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu said the outstanding amount includes Sh103 million in certified but unpaid construction claims, Sh69.4 million in accrued interest, and Sh11.9 million owed to the project consultant.

This exposes a breakdown in the execution of the contract and in the management of public projects at one of Kenya's flagship health infrastructure investments.

It also raises fresh concerns over cost escalation, idle capital, and the risk of further...