Bikeke ESP market in Kiminini sub county that is set to enhance local commerce with provision of cold storage facilities and WiFi.PHOTO/DGE.
By PATRICK AMIMO,
Special Correspondent
The Government has issued a stern warning to politicians and contractors interfering with the execution of public projects, stating that individuals involved in irregular procurement, delayed works, or misuse of funds will face bans and prosecution.
Mr. Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for Delivery and Government Efficiency, issued the warning during an inspection and verification tour of national government projects in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.
Mr. Owalo highlighted that certain politicians have been posing as contractors to influence the awarding of tenders, a practice he described as “dangerous and unacceptable”.
He stressed that the government will no longer tolerate politicians acting as contractors or attempting to influence tender processes.
“If you are a politician, stick to politics. If you want to be involved in the private sector, move to the private sector. You cannot have your cake and eat it,” Mr. Owalo said. “We are warning politicians to stay out of the implementation of government projects, starting from the procurement stage.”
He further noted that some contractors, lacking the necessary technical expertise, have been undercutting competitors by submitting low bids, only to abandon or delay projects. Mr. Owalo emphasised that only competent and credible contractors would be allowed to implement public projects.
“We will blacklist and debar contractors who fail to deliver, ensuring they do not participate in future government projects,” he affirmed.
Mr. Owalo also directed implementing agencies to strengthen due diligence and technical evaluation procedures before awarding contracts. He pointed out that weak oversight and poor vetting have contributed to delays and stalled projects across the country.
He reiterated that where funds have been disbursed but projects remain incomplete, the government will use all legal means to recover public funds and prosecute those responsible.
Siyoi-Muruny Dam in Pokot South Constituency. The dam will supply water to over 350,000 households by 2035. PHOTO/DGE.
“If the government has made payments but the project is not progressing, we will recover the funds and prosecute those responsible,” he warned. “The government does not have its own money. These are public funds held in trust on behalf of citizens. No public money will be lost in the execution of national government projects,” Mr. Owalo declared.
The team inspected the Siyoi-Muruny Dam in Pokot South sub-county, a project being implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) at a cost of KES 9.7 billion.
The project is expected to supply piped water to over 350,000 residents by 2035, while creating jobs and improving livelihoods. Complementing the dam is the Kapenguria–Makutano Sewerage Project in Kapenguria sub-county, costing KES 722.1 million.
This project will expand access to modern sanitation services for over 650 households and institutions, with an additional 4 km of last-mile connections planned to reach 200 more households.
“We have impressed upon the contractor the need to fast-track completion of the project. The contractor has assured us that once they receive the initial disbursement of KES 600 million, they will be back on site and work to recover lost time, aiming to complete the project by May 2026,” Mr. Owalo stated.
Prof. John Lonyangapuo, Chairperson of the North Rift Water Works Development Agency, added, “The water and sewerage projects are an urgent necessity in West Pokot County. We do not have water in our main towns of Kapenguria and Makutano.”
In Trans Nzoia County, Endebess sub-county, the Suam One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is 93% complete, at a cost of KES 4.5 billion.
Once finished, this project will facilitate regional trade and connectivity with Uganda, the DRC, and South Sudan, advancing the East African Regional Integration Strategy.
Endebess Level 4 Sub County Hospital to enhance access to quality maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services to locals and boost universal health coverage. PHOTO/DGE.
In addition to improving transport infrastructure, it will boost cross-border commerce and uplift local livelihoods through related investments such as the upgrade of Kitale Market.
“We have faced significant bureaucratic red tape along the Kenyan-Uganda border. The new one-stop point will streamline all cross-border clearance processes, facilitating faster movement of goods and services within the East African region. This project will enhance trade potential between Kenya, Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan,” Mr. Owalo explained.
Another major ongoing project is the upgrading of the 72.34 km Kitale–Murpus road, which forms part of the Kenya–South Sudan Link Road. The KES 15.4 billion project spans Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.
Upon completion, it will enhance regional connectivity, improve road safety, reduce travel time and accidents, and facilitate the efficient transport of raw and finished mining materials across the corridor.
“We have a cement clinker factory, the Sebit Clinkerization Plant at the Sebit limestone mines in Ortum, Kipkomo Sub-County. It is a significant investment in this region. Expanding this road will facilitate the supply of raw materials and transportation of finished products from the factory,” Mr. Owalo added.
In Endebess sub-county, Trans Nzoia, the government is constructing a Maternal and Child Health Complex, costing KES 240 million. The complex is 65% complete and is being implemented by the Ministry of Health.
It will enhance access to quality maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services, supporting the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. The facility is scheduled to be commissioned by December.
“We have faced challenges with infant mortality, under-five mortality, and maternal deaths. Women living in urban areas are more likely to receive at least four antenatal care visits than those in rural areas. We strongly believe that spreading such facilities to rural areas will reduce the number of deaths,” Mr. Owalo said.
The Suam One-Stop Border Post in Endebess Sub County, on the Kenya-Uganda border set to facilitate regional trade and connectivity with Uganda, DRC and South Sudan. PHOTO/DGE.
Other projects inspected by the team during their North Rift working tour included: Ortum Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP): Valued at KES 58.3 million and implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, aimed at boosting local enterprise and livelihoods.
The inspection team expressed concern over the slow progress and urged the contractor to resume operations immediately, warning of sanctions for non-performance.
Kwanza Technical and Vocational College (TVC) that is being iImplemented by the State Department for Public Works at a cost of KES 68 million, this college is 81% complete and will accommodate over 500 trainees.
It will support the Affordable Housing and MSME BeTA pillars and is expected to be completed by December 2025, with commissioning planned for January 2026.
The other project is Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project (AHP0. A KES 2.7 billion project comprising 1,035 units, aimed at delivering affordable housing to locals, creating jobs, and integrating Jua Kali artisans into the housing value chain.
Then there is the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Markets – Sibanga and Bikeke being implemented At a cost of KES 120 million, these markets are 53% complete and will enhance local acommerce, create jobs, and promote value addition within Cherangany and Kiminini sub-counties.
Mr. Owalo reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing accountability and ensuring that every shilling spent on development translates into tangible public benefit.
He assured that the Kenya Kwanza Administration remains committed to efficiency, transparency, and the timely delivery of national development projects across all counties.
