This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Uasin Gishu County is facing a major setback after a Chinese contractor abandoned a Ksh 2.1 billion road project, leaving it 90% incomplete.
The contractor had only constructed 10% of the project, which included earthwork and bush clearing, before disappearing after receiving Ksh 2 million as an advance payment.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa expressed concern over the project's delay, stating that the contractor had not shown any intentions to complete the project on time.
According to Jaldesa, the contractor demobilized his machinery, equipment, and staff in early March 2020 without notice, violating the contract terms.
However, a representative of the contractor argued that the Coronavirus pandemic forced them to desert the site, citing financial constraints due to the delayed allocation of funds by the Chinese Government.
Despite the contractor's claims, a team from the President's Delivery Unit (PDU) led by Rift Valley regional director Truphosa Awuor toured the site and urged the contractor to hasten the construction to ease transport between the two counties.
On July 7, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered his Cabinet Secretaries to take over the inspection of government projects across the country, taking the role away from Deputy President William Ruto.
