This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On October 2, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto launched the Sh5.3 billion Lower Nzoia Irrigation and Flood Mitigation Project in the western region, sparking controversy over his decision to bypass the relevant ministries.
According to Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu, the DP's office did not award his ministry any formal communication ahead of the launch, leaving him unaware of the project's details.
"There was no contact between the DP's office and my ministry. I can't confirm that my CS was contacted because there is nothing in writing," Mr Irungu told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The National Land Commission (NLC) and National Irrigation Board (NIB) were also not involved in the launch, with NIB's chief executive Gitonga Mugambi stating that there was no contact between the DP's office and NIB.
However, Mr Mugambi did attend the launch on instructions from then Principal Secretary Fred Sergor.
The project, which covers Ugunja, Alego Usonga, and Budalang'i constituencies, aims to boost rice production and prevent floods in Busia and Siaya counties.
But the premature launch of the project has already led to challenges, with the NIB stating that they were working with the contractor on a daily basis but had not received land for the construction to begin from the NLC.
Ms Kabale, acting CEO of the NLC, told PAC that the commission had not completed compensation of affected families in Busia and Siaya counties as the project was launched while it was undertaking valuation.
Wandayi and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo asked whether government protocol had been breached when Ruto disregarded line ministries to launch the project.
"Both the CS and his PS must have been given wrong information. The DP was in the area to inspect development projects and not to launch anything," the DP's director of Communications David Mugonyi said in response.
