Confusion as Projects William Ruto Launched in Western Kenya Stall for Months over Lack of Funding

• President William Ruto launched several projects in Bungoma county during last year’s Madaraka Day celebrations
• Months later, it has been revealed that several government-funded markets and roads were abandoned by contractors, with little to no work completed
• Site engineers have attributed the stalled progress in the projects to delayed payments, despite making multiple requests

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.

The markets visited included Soko Kubwa, with a budget of Sh370 million, Chwele market, budgeted at Sh 340 million, Mateka market, costing Sh50 million, and Malakisi market, also costing Sh50 million.ads 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.

Read also

Moi University Dentistry students decry closure of clinics, threaten demos: "We're disappointed"

The markets visited included Soko Kubwa, with a budget of KSh 370 million, Chwele market, budgeted at KSh 340 million, Mateka market, costing KSh 50 million, and Malakisi market, also costing KSh 50 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.

Read also

Nyandarua woman rep defies hecklers, moves forward to address William Ruto: "Usiskie hiyo noise"

“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.

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.

Read also

How Duracoat founder established multi-billion business using KSh 6,500 loan

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.

Read also

Korogocho residents set govt office on fire, chant anti-Ruto slogans in Housing Project protests

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

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke