Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, inspects Bikeke ESP market in Kiminini subcounty, October 30, 2025. /GOVT EFFICIENCYThe government has issued a stern warning to politicians and contractors interfering with public projects, stating that those involved in irregular procurement, stalled works or misuse of funds will face bans and prosecution.
Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, issued the warning during an inspection tour of national government projects in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.
Owalo flagged a troubling trend of politicians posing as contractors to influence tender awards, calling it “dangerous and unacceptable.”
He warned that the government will no longer tolerate such interference.
“If you are a politician, stick to politics. If you want to be in the private sector, go to the private sector. You cannot have your cake and eat it,” he said.
“We are cautioning politicians to keep out of implementation of government projects, starting from the procurement stage.”
He also noted that some contractors lacking technical capacity undercut competitors with low bids, only to abandon or delay projects.
“We will blacklist and debar contractors who fail to deliver and ensure they do not participate in future government projects,” Owalo said, urging implementing agencies to strengthen due diligence and technical evaluation.
Owalo warned that where funds had been disbursed but projects remained incomplete, the government would recover public money and prosecute those responsible.
“The government does not have its own money. These are public funds held in trust on behalf of citizens. No public money will be lost in the execution of national government projects,” he said.
During the tour, the team visited the Siyoi-Muruny Dam in Pokot South subcounty, implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority at Sh9.7 billion.
The dam will supply piped water to over 350,000 residents by 2035, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
Nearby, the Kapenguria–Makutano Sewerage Project, implemented by the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency at Sh722.1 million, will expand modern sanitation access to hundreds of households.
“We have impressed on the contractor the need to fast-track completion of the project. The contractor has assured us that once they receive the initial disbursement of Sh600 million, they will be back on site and work to recover lost time with a view to the project being completed by May 2026,” Owalo said.
Chairperson of the North Rift Water Works Development Agency, Prof John Lonyangapuo, noted the urgency of water and sewerage projects in West Pokot county.
In Trans Nzoia county, the Suam One-Stop Border Post in Endebess, implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority at Sh4.5 billion, is 93 per cent complete.
Owalo said the facility will streamline cross-border trade with Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan while boosting local livelihoods, including through related investments like the Kitale Market upgrade.
The 72.34 km Kitale–Murpus road, part of the Kenya–South Sudan Link Road, is valued at Sh15.4 billion and traverses Trans Nzoia and West Pokot.
Once complete, it will enhance regional connectivity, road safety, and the transport of raw and finished mining materials.
Other inspected projects include the Maternal and Child Health Complex in Endebess (Sh240 million, 65 per cent complete), Ortum Economic Stimulus Programme (Sh58.3 million), Kwanza Technical and Vocational College (Sh68 million, 81 per cent complete), Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project (Sh2.7 billion, 1,035 units), and ESP markets in Sibanga and Bikeke (Sh120 million, 53 per cent complete).
These initiatives aim to improve healthcare, education, infrastructure and local commerce while creating jobs.
Owalo reiterated the government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency, saying every shilling spent on development must translate into tangible public benefit.
He affirmed that the Kenya Kwanza Administration prioritises timely delivery, transparency, and high-quality execution of national projects across all counties.
