Government to step up surprise inspections, blacklist rogue contractors, says Owalo.

The national government will intensify unannounced inspections of flagship projects and move to blacklist non-performing contractors as part of a tougher push to ensure taxpayers get value for money, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency Mr. Eliud Owalo has said. 

Speaking during an inspection and verification tour of national government projects in Kericho County, Mr. Owalo said the tours had exposed serious gaps between progress reports submitted in Nairobi and the actual status of projects on the ground.

“As the Government Delivery Unit domiciled in the Executive Office of the President, we are going to intensify routine, unexpected inspections so that we get an independent view of the true implementation status of projects,” he said.

Mr. Owalo warned that some contractors were using multiple company names to win several government tenders, only failing during implementation due to limited capacity.  He urged procuring entities to strengthen due diligence at the procurement stage by conducting site visits and verifying ownership of equipment, machinery and technical capacity before awarding contracts. 

“It is not enough to rely on paperwork. Agencies must physically confirm that contractors have the plant and machinery they claim to possess,” he said.

The Deputy Chief of Staff cautioned contractors against abandoning projects or failing to complete them, warning that such firms would be blacklisted and barred from future government work. 

He also faulted contractors who ignore summonses from implementing agencies and National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), saying political protection would not shield underperforming firms. 

“Public funds come from taxpayers, and the public must get value for their money. No contractor is untouchable,” he said.

During the comprehensive assessment and inspection exercise, Mr. Owalo was accompanied by the acting Head of the Government Delivery Unit, Mr. Sitati Olando and GDU officers.  The joint oversight exercise brought together Kericho County Commissioner Mr. Mwai Gichuru, County Director of Housing Ms. Annabel Wangari, representatives from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and other county stakeholders.  The goal was to assess progress, resolve bottlenecks, and fast-track the delivery of high-impact projects that drive livelihoods and economic growth.

The key projects inspected included:

·       Majengo Talai Affordable Housing Project in Ainamoi Constituency: This is a KES 778.2 million investment by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, delivering 322 modern housing units. The project stands at 42% progress and is already creating jobs while setting the foundation for dignified living conditions for residents.

·       Kapkatet ESP Market, situated in Bureti Constituency: Costing KES 162.1 million and at 71% progress, this market will provide a safe, decent and secure commercial space for SMEs and traders. Previously stalled, the project was revived in April 2025 through GDU intervention.  Mr. Owalo said the ESP markets being rolled out countrywide would be equipped with modern stalls, ICT facilities, refrigerated rooms, lactation areas for breastfeeding mothers and improved sanitation.

·       Kerenga Airstrip Upgrade: Implemented by KAA at a cost of KES 192.2 million, the project involves upgrading the runway to 1.2 km, constructing aprons, taxiways, and installing a perimeter fence. Once completed, Kericho will enjoy enhanced air connectivity to support tourism, agriculture, and agro-processing.  Mr. Owalo said the Karenga Airstrip would significantly ease congestion on major roads and boost trade, tourism and transport in the South Rift.  “You are aware we have been having a problem of traffic congestion along the road. If we have a substantive portion of people flying into Kericho and connecting to the environs, it will really open this space for purposes of not only transport, but commerce, trade and enhance tourism. The many companies running plantation farms in Kericho will benefit from using the airtstrip,” Mr. Owalo said.  The airstrip is expected to be completed by November 2026 and is projected to benefit tea and other agricultural plantations in Kericho County and the wider region.

·       Kapsuser–Sosiot & Kapsurer–Kipsolu Roads located in Belgut Constituency:  This 13 km road network, upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost of KES 906 million, is at 99% completion. The road will significantly improve mobility and support Kericho’s agricultural value chains. It is ready for official commissioning.

·       Chebirirbei–Kebeneti-Kiptere-Momul–Chesise-Kipranye- Sosiot–Kiplamat Road:  This is an approximately 60 kms long road predominantly in Chepalungu constituency and partly in Bomet East constituency.  Linking Belgut and Soin–Sigowet constituencies, the project is being implemented by KeRRA at a cost of KES 3 billion. Construction is ongoing, and on completion, the road will enhance inter-county connectivity, improve access to schools and markets, and open new economic opportunities.