Projects William Ruto launched in Western Kenya stall for months over lack of funding

Contractors working on various government projects in Bungoma county say many have stalled despite consuming significant resources.

In some markets, locals have begun stealing steel and other construction materials, as contractors have failed to secure the sites with fencing.

During a progress tour in Bungoma on Friday, conducted by the Presidential Delivery Unit and Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei, it was revealed that several government-funded markets and roads had been abandoned by contractors, with little to no work being done.

These projects were launched by President William Ruto during last year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.

The markets visited included Soko Kubwa, with a budget of Sh370 million, Chwele market, budgeted at Sh340 million, Mateka market, costing Sh50 million, and Malakisi market, also costing Sh50 million.

Work had been suspended for months at Mateka, Malakisi, and Lwandanyi markets, out of the four visited. Why have projects launched in Bungoma stalled? Site engineers attributed the lack of progress to delayed payments, despite repeated requests.

Sankei expressed disappointment with the contractors, stating they are hindering the government’s development agenda. “The government is pushing to see to it that all its launched projects in Bungoma are complete on time, but contractors like the one working on these projects are the ones failing us; it is a big shame to see projects launched by the president rendered stalled,” lamented Sankei.

He urged the relevant bodies responsible for paying the contractors to do so promptly, allowing work to resume at the sites.

“Let’s not place all the blame on contractors; those responsible for processing payments should act swiftly to ensure contractors can resume work and prevent further delays in these projects,” he said. “Some contractors in Bungoma cannot deliver, which is why we are behind,” Sankei added.

Clearing agent fined Ksh.3M or face prison for demanding Ksh.2.9M bribe from church officials

Man, 28, arrested for killing 45-year-old woman after rejecting him in 2016

Several students involved in accident after Matatu overturns on Thika Road

Prime suspect in murder of MMU student Sylvia Kemunto surrenders to police

Traders who previously operated in these markets have raised concerns about the challenging conditions, urging the government to expedite the completion of the markets so they can return to their stalls.. “Several months ago, the sun was scorching, and we had to sell our goods under the heat. Now, we’re being rained on, and some of our products are spoiling. We want this market completed so we can resume normal operations,” said Harriet Amoit, a trader at Malakisi Market. “This market was launched last April and was supposed to be completed in six months. Now, a year later, we’re losing hope of ever occupying it again,” she added.

Allan Luvungu, a representative from the government delivery unit, said they have visited several projects in Bungoma, noting that many of them are stalled.

“Today, we toured government projects, but we are disappointed with some contractors who are delaying progress. We’ve discussed and identified the challenges,” he said. Luvungu further stated that the team has compiled a report and will advise the government on the next steps.

“We observed that delayed government funding has contributed to the stalls. Our next step is to engage the government to ensure funds are released on time,” he said. Did William Ruto promise to make Bungoma a city? In a related story, the head of state announced plans to upgrade Bungoma town to a city.

Speaking at a roadside rally in Sirisia on Friday, May 31, 2024, the president confirmed his commitment to making Bungoma the first city in the Western region.

Ruto said the city would soon be ranked at the same level as Nairobi, emphasizing that the town’s residents would receive the most essential services.

Police officer attempts suicide, shoots himself in chin in Baringo

Woman burns son with boiling water over 2kgs of maize

Justin Muturi speaks on running for Mbeere North MP seat

Look for jobs in government programmes, Ruto urges unemployed youth

Government issues statement after mugging incident involving a tourist in Mombasa