No sacred cows: Owalo warns politicians to keep off government contracts

The Government has issued a firm warning to politicians and contractors interfering with the execution of public projects, saying those involved in irregular procurement, stalled works, or misuse of funds will be banned and prosecuted.

Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Mr. Eliud Owalo, sounded the warning during an inspection and verification tour of national government projects in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.

Mr. Owalo noted that some politicians have been posing as contractors to influence tender awards, a trend he described as “dangerous and unacceptable,” saying the government will no longer tolerate politicians posing as contractors or influencing the award of tenders.

“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,” Mr. Owalo said. “We are cautioning politicians to keep out of implementation of government projects, starting from the procurement stage.”

He further observed that some contractors without the necessary technical capacity are undercutting competitors through low bids, only to abandon or delay projects. Mr Owalo emphasized that only competent and credible contractors will be allowed to implement public projects.

“We will blacklist and debar contractors who fail to deliver and ensure they do not participate in future government projects,” he emphasized.

Mr. Owalo also directed implementing agencies to strengthen due diligence and technical evaluation before awarding contracts, saying that weak oversight and poor vetting have contributed to stalled projects across the country.

Mr. Owalo affirmed that where funds have been disbursed but projects remain incomplete, the government will pursue all legal means to recover public money and prosecute the parties responsible.

“If the government has made payments but the project is not progressing, we will recover the money and prosecute those responsible,” he warned. “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,” Mr. Owalo said.

The team inspected the Siyoi- Muruny dam that is in Pokot South sub county. The project is being implemented by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) at a cost of KES 9.7 billion. The project will supply piped water to over 350,000 residents by 2035, while creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

To augment the dam is the Kapenguria–Makutano Sewerage Project in Kapenguria sub county that is being implemented by the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency at a cost of KES 722.1 million.

This project will expand access to modern sanitation services for over 650 households and institutions. The 20.4 km sewer network will be complemented by an additional 4 km of last-mile connections, reaching 200 more 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 KES 600 million, they will be back on site and work to recover lost time with a view to the project being completed by May 2026,” Mr. Owalo said.

Prof. John Lonyangapuo, Chairperson of the North Rift Water Works Development Agency, said, “The water and sewerage project are an urgent necessity in West Pokot County. We do not have water in our main towns of Kapenguria and Makutano.”

In Trans Nzoia County, Endebess sub county, the Suam One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) that is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) at a cost of KES 4.5 billion is 93% complete.

This project will facilitate regional trade and connectivity with Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan, advancing the East African Regional Integration Strategy. Beyond improved transport infrastructure, the project will boost cross-border commerce and uplift local livelihoods through related investments such as the Kitale Market upgrade.

“We have been having a lot of bureaucratic red tape along the Kenyan-Uganda border. We are now going to have a one-stop point where all the cross-border clearance facilities will be undertaken. This will facilitate faster movement of goods and services within the East African region. This project will enhance the trade potential between Kenya, Uganda, DRC, and South Sudan,” Mr. Owalo said.

Another ongoing project is the upgrading of the 72.34 km Kitale–Murpus road that is part of the Kenya–South Sudan Link Road. The KES 15.4 billion project traverses Trans Nzoia and West Pokot Counties.

Once completed, it will enhance regional connectivity, improve road safety, reduce travel time and accidents, and facilitate the efficient transport of raw and finished mining materials across the corridor.

“We have a cement clinker factory, Sebit Clinkerization Plant at the Sebit limestone mines, Ortum, in Kipkomo Sub-County. It is a major investment in this region. If this road is expanded it will facilitate both supply of raw materials and transportation of the finished products from the factory,” Mr. Owalo said.

In Endebess Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County, the government is constructing a Maternal and Child Health Complex to the tune of KES 240 million. It is 65% complete.

The Level 4 Hospital complex that is being implemented by the Ministry of Health will enhance access to quality maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services, supporting the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. The facility is scheduled for commissioning by December.

“We have been facing a challenge of infant mortality, under-five mortality, and maternal deaths. Women living in urban areas are more likely to receive at least four antenatal care visits than those living in rural areas. We strongly believe as a government that spreading such facilities in rural areas will reduce the number of deaths,” said Mr. Owalo.

Other projects inspected by the team during the North Rift working tour include:

• Ortum Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP): Valued at KES 58.3 million and implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, this project aims to boost local enterprise and livelihoods. The inspection team expressed concern over the slow pace of work and directed the contractor to resume operations immediately, warning of sanctions and blacklisting for non-performance.

• Kwanza Technical and Vocational College (TVC) that is being implemented by the State Department for Public Works at a cost of KES 68 million. The college, now at 81% completion, will accommodate over 500 trainees, expanding access to affordable, quality TVET education and supporting the Affordable Housing and MSME BeTA pillars. Completion is targeted for December 2025, with commissioning in January 2026.
• Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project (AHP), a KES 2.7 billion project comprising 1,035 units. The State Department for Housing and Urban Development is implementing it. The project will deliver affordable, social, and market-rate housing to locals, create jobs during the construction stage, and integrate Jua Kali artisans into the housing value chain.

• Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Markets – Sibanga and Bikeke – at a cost of KES 120 million, 53% complete. The two modern markets will enhance local commerce, create jobs, and promote value addition within Cherangany and Kiminini sub-counties.

Mr. Owalo reiterated that the government remains committed to enforcing accountability and ensuring every shilling spent on development translates into tangible public benefit.

He said that the Kenya Kwanza Administration is committed to efficiency, transparency, and timely delivery of national development projects across all counties.