Nyamira: Kenya’s deputy chief of staff, Eliud Owalo has put all rogue contractors on notice, warning that they risk being blacklisted if their slow work progress leads to stalling of government development projects. Owalo issued the warning while touring national government projects, observing that hardly any development project is completed on time. Contractors often give insubstantial excuses, yet they are aware that they lack the sufficient capacity they claimed in their bid documents when awarded the contracts.
According to Kenya News Agency, Owalo cautioned contractors against bidding for government projects they cannot adequately execute due to insufficient technical manpower and financial capacity. He warned that such contractors would be blacklisted from future government projects. Owalo explained that delays in project completion, despite government funds being disbursed within a given budget cycle, affect the government’s absorption rates and hinder it from obtaining value for money.
Owalo further
stated that contractors who quote very low sums during bidding to win tenders must be investigated, as they often become overwhelmed or incapacitated, leading to implementation challenges. He emphasized that corrupt contractors who fail to fulfill their contractual obligations would be prosecuted, and regular inspections of government projects would continue to ensure timely completion.
The deputy chief of staff noted challenges in the construction of the County Aggregation Industrial Park (CAIP) due to black cotton soil but remained optimistic that the contractor would make progress with the dry weather. He stressed the need for a case-by-case analysis strategy to tackle incomplete projects, particularly those in the ministry of education funded by the government of Kuwait.
Owalo commended the progress of projects like the Keroka level four hospital, 98% complete at a cost of Sh400 million, and the Nyansiongo and Esise modern markets, both 95% complete at a cost of Sh300 million. He also acknowledged the c
ompletion of the Kebirigo-Mosobeti-Gesima-Metamaywa road, which has enhanced communication and trade.
He concluded by praising the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) for its role in coordinating national government flagship projects through monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on their progress in fulfilling the country’s development priorities.