The National government is set to take over the completion of five mega projects in Uasin Gishu county which stalled due to luck of funds.
The move follows a request by Governor Jonathan Bii to President William Ruto who toured the region three weeks ago, and pledged to help complete the projects.
They were started during the tenure of former governor Jackson Mandago who is now the county’s senator. The projects, which require about Sh5 billion to complete, include the Ziwa Level 5, Kesses Level 4, Turbo Level 4 health facilities, MoiSoy Maize Milling Plant and Chagaiya High Altitude Training Camp.
During Ruto’s tour, he spoke at Ziwa where he noted that the county had been unable to complete the projects and directed relevant ministries to help the county government.
“We will work with the national government through a partnership that will ensure the projects are completed to benefit our people,” Bii said.
The county departments of sports and public works are now developing project reports ahead of the national government’s partnership on financing the projects.
Chief officers Mark Some (Youth and Sports) and his Public Works counterpart Abraham Kiptalam on Tuesday co-chaired a meeting of engineers and directors to finalise records ahead of the handover of the projects.
The reports will provide details on progress, status of structural works, expected expenses and other details on the projects.
Governor Bii has tasked the two chief officers to prepare the reports on the projects.
Last month, Bii pledged to ensure completion of all projects in the county including those initiated by his predecessor.
The governor said all projects initiated by the county government were aimed at benefitting residents and must be completed.
Bii thanked Ruto for his extensive tour of the county. Other projects which have stalled in the county but will be completed in Bii’s administration include 64 Stadium, Ngenyilel VTC, Jackson Mandago special needs assessment center, among others.
Within the last two years, Bii has also implemented several projects in the health, agriculture, water and education sectors to benefit residents.
At the same time, the county through its department of roads, transport and public works, has initiated the process of documenting ongoing projects across various departments for the 2024/2025 financial year.
Director of Public Works Benjamin Kirongo convened a meeting with the department’s technical team to strategise on implementation and collaboration with client departments.
The goal is to ensure the effective delivery of transformative projects aligned with Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi manifesto.
“We aim to visit all project sites, including flagship initiatives earmarked for the 2024-25 financial year. Our role as a department is to provide technical support to ensure quality and value for money in completed projects,” he said.
He emphasised that the exercise will feature real-time reporting from professionals such as mechanical engineers, quantity surveyors, electrical engineers, building inspectors and architects.
These experts will evaluate progress and ensure adherence to quality standards throughout the implementation phase.
