Aasai

The National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering key infrastructural and economic projects in Kakamega County, with many initiatives progressing steadily. Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, expressed confidence in the ongoing developments, noting that some projects are nearly completed while others are progressing through different implementation stages.

One of the flagship projects is the construction of 220 Affordable Housing Units at Milimani Estate in Lurambi. Valued at Ksh.472 million, this initiative is 97 percent complete, with landscaping as the final phase, set to be concluded within the next 40 days. Owalo emphasized the importance of timely delivery and warned contractors against delaying government projects.

During an inspection tour, Owalo cautioned against a growing trend where certain contractors bid for multiple government tenders using different company names, only to underdeliver after winning the contracts. He condemned this practice and revealed that the government would begin blacklisting such firms to protect public interest and project integrity.

Citing the Malava Water Supply project, Owalo disclosed that one contractor risks contract termination for failing to meet expected timelines and for using substandard materials. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on contractors who ignore the Terms of Reference (TORs) and rely on political connections to bypass accountability.

Despite these concerns, Owalo expressed satisfaction with several projects underway. He highlighted three major water initiatives in Malava spearheaded by the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LWNWWDA), collectively costing over Ksh.2.2 billion. Among these is the Malava Town Gravity Supply Sanitation Project, which is 30 percent complete. The project, once finished, will supply clean water to 91,500 residents through a treatment plant capable of producing 2,753 cubic metres per day.

Another significant development is the Namgara Water Supply project, which includes a reservoir with a capacity of 1,700 cubic metres and 18 water kiosks, financed at Ksh.884 million. Additionally, the Shirungu water supply project is progressing as planned, contributing to the county’s access to clean and reliable water sources.

Progress is also evident at the Kakamega Gold Refinery, a Ksh.5.8 billion investment that is now 75 percent complete. Owalo revealed that once operational, the refinery will process up to 200 kilograms of gold monthly. The government intends to formalize the mining industry by establishing clear legal and policy frameworks, aimed at benefiting local communities and preventing smuggling of raw minerals to neighboring countries.

To boost road infrastructure, the government has allocated Ksh.3.5 billion for the completion of the long-stalled Kakamega–Navokholo–Musikoma road. A new contractor has already been mobilized to the site, and the improved road network is expected to stimulate economic activity in the region. Furthermore, the Malava–Kimang’eti–Ikoli road has seen 10.4 kilometers upgraded to bitumen standard at a cost of Ksh.542 million, with the remaining 2.6 kilometers to be completed under a separate contract.

Also nearing completion is the Mumias–Musanda road, which spans 16 kilometers and has been upgraded to bitumen standard at a cost of Ksh.628.3 million. The project is 98 percent complete and will greatly enhance regional connectivity.

In Butere Constituency, Owalo visited the Luuza Market under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), which is currently at 17 percent progress. He explained that this initiative will uplift small-scale traders and align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ultimately empowering grassroots businesses and promoting economic inclusivity across the county.