By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Kenya's development efforts in its local regions are under intense scrutiny due to
the recent revelation of stalled projects totalling over Sh12.03 billion across ten
counties. Auditor General Nancy Gathungu's reports have highlighted a concerning
situation. Projects have either halted, abandoned, fallen behind schedule, or
remained idle despite completion. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure and
improve the quality of life, including constructing roads, Early Childhood Education
Centres (ECDE) classrooms, residences for governors and deputy governors,
hospitals, and stadiums.
The implicated counties are Nairobi, Kiambu, Baringo, Nakuru, Turkana, West Pokot,
Tana River, Kitui, Nyamira, and Trans Nzoia. The governors of these regions, who
campaigned on development platforms, are now under scrutiny.
The audit reports identify several key factors contributing to the stagnation of these
projects:
– Non-payment: Contractors have not been paid on time, resulting in work
stoppages.
– Unqualified Contractors: Engaging contractors lacking necessary qualifications has
led to substandard work or incomplete projects.
– Tender Wars: Disputes over tender awards and subsequent court injunctions due
to procurement irregularities have halted progress.
– Projects without Adequate Budgets: Some projects were initiated without proper
budget allocations.
– Delayed Treasury Funds: Delayed disbursements from the Treasury have hindered
progress.
In addition, many counties allocate a large portion of their revenue to staff
emoluments and other recurring expenses, leaving minimal resources for
development. According to the Public Finance Management Act of 2012, 30% of
national and county governments' budgets must be allocated to development. This
standard is unmet in these cases.
In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration is facing the stalling of
hospital projects worth Sh1.36 billion. Projects, such as the Pumwani Lucky
Summer Dispensary and the Pumwani Majengo Health Centre, remain incomplete,
with significant work yet to be done.
Kiambu County, under Governor Kimani Wamatangi, is also confronting similar
challenges. Projects worth over Sh1.23 billion, including hospital block construction
at various health facilities, have either stalled or missed completion dates.
In Baringo, Governor Benjamin Cheboi's administration is grappling with projects
worth Sh517.47 million that have either stalled or been completed but not utilized.
Baringo's residents have raised concerns about the value of money. Nakuru County,
led by Governor Susan Kihika, has seen projects valued at a minimum of Sh1.47
billion either stall or face delays. Key projects include the construction of the county
treasury headquarters and office blocks in Milimani.
Turkana County, led by Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, has experienced delays in
completing county headquarters buildings worth Sh397.41 million and the
governor's residence costing Sh211 million. Moreover, projects like the Kalokol
Resource Centre and a plastic reuse facility remain unfinished.
In West Pokot, Governor Simon Kachapin's government approved a budget of
Sh1.81 billion to implement 798 projects; however, at present, 24 projects with a
budget of Sh61.47 million have yet to commence.
Similarly, Tana River, under Governor Godhana Dhadho, initiated 58 projects valued
at Sh825.85 million back in 2015-16, which have now stalled during different
stages of completion.
Kitui County, under the leadership of Governor Julius Malombe, grapples with Sh1
billion worth of stalled projects, including health initiatives and the construction of
marketplaces.
Nyamira County, led by Governor Amos Nyaribo, has experienced the stalling or
abandonment of projects worth Sh673.7 million, notably health centre construction
and county headquarters projects.
Lastly, Trans Nzoia, led by Governor George Natembeya, faces challenges with
projects estimated at Sh2.5 billion, which have either stalled or fallen behind
schedule, notably the Sh1.60 billion Trans Nzoia Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The prevalence of halted development projects in these ten counties exemplifies a
significant hurdle in Kenya's devolution agenda. With billions of shillings tied up in
unfinished projects, there is an urgent need for systemic reforms in project
management, procurement processes, and financial disbursement. These changes
are crucial to ensure the intended benefits to the citizens. Hence, governors and
county officials must address these issues promptly to restore public trust and fulfil
their development promises.
