Governor Bii Faces Intense Scrutiny Over Stalled Multi-Billion-Shilling Projects

Uasin Gishu County is under intense scrutiny following revelations by the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) concerning several multi-billion-shilling development projects that have stalled or remain underutilized.  Most of these initiatives were launched during the tenure of former Governor Jackson Mandago, who now serves as the county's senator. 

Senate Oversight Tour Raises Alarms

Led by Senator Moses Kajwang’, the PAC visited Uasin Gishu County this week to assess the status of various development projects.  The committee expressed serious concerns over mismanagement, lack of oversight, and potential loss of public funds.  Senator Kajwang' described the projects as "white elephants" that have created minimal or no value for the public.  He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We are at a loss to understand how projects that received massive budgetary allocations are still incomplete and unused.” 

Key Projects Under Scrutiny

64 Stadium – Eldoret

The 64 Stadium in Eldoret, initially budgeted at over Ksh1.1 billion, was envisioned as a flagship sports facility capable of hosting international tournaments and seating up to 12,000 spectators.  Despite nearing 72.5% completion as of January 2025, the stadium has remained dormant, with no clear date for completion.  The Auditor General's report highlighted delays in the project, including issues with rerouting electricity lines and water pipelines  .

Ziwa Level V Hospital

The Ziwa Level V Hospital has consumed Ksh490 million in public funds during its first phase.  Despite the heavy investment, senators found the hospital far from operational.  More troubling is the revelation that Ksh12 million is unaccounted for, prompting calls for investigations  .

Special Needs Assessment Centre

The Special Needs Assessment Centre, a Ksh2.5 billion project, has seen only 13% of the work completed, despite the contractor receiving 65% of the consultancy fee for design and supervision.  The only visible structure at the site is a temporary office, casting doubt on the feasibility and intent behind the entire venture. 

MoiSoy Maize Milling Plant

The MoiSoy Maize Milling Plant, initiated during Mandago's tenure, has stalled despite a Ksh477 million investment.  The contractor has abandoned the project, citing financial constraints.  Senators have called for an urgent audit to investigate the expenditure of funds and identify the reasons for the project's failure  .

Governor Bii's Response

Governor Jonathan Bii defended his administration, attributing the stalled projects to budgetary constraints.  He disclosed that the county's development budget is Ksh3.5 billion, with Ksh1.8 billion earmarked for ward-level allocations.  This leaves Ksh1.4 billion for county-wide development, which Bii says is insufficient to sustain the legacy projects left by the previous administration.  He expressed openness to partnerships with the private sector and the national government to complete these projects  .

Calls for Accountability and Reform

Despite Governor Bii’s explanations, the Senate remains unimpressed.  Senator Kajwang’ has pressed for investigations through the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).  Senator Samson Cherargey urged Uasin Gishu’s leadership to ensure accountability and fiscal discipline. 

The situation has reignited debate on how counties plan and execute large-scale infrastructure projects.  Uasin Gishu County Assembly Minority Leader Hon. Francis Muya and Deputy Speaker Sarah Malel have called on the Senate to enforce stricter planning measures.  They advocate for counties to initiate projects that can be completed within a five-year County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) cycle to ensure value for money and avoid creating white elephants. 

National Government Intervention

In light of the crisis, the national government has signaled its intent to step in and help complete several of the stalled projects.  President William Ruto’s administration has reportedly pledged to allocate additional funds toward finalizing the 64 Stadium and Ziwa Level 5 Hospital to salvage the billions already invested and ensure the public ultimately benefits  .

The Senate has emphasized that public pressure and legislative scrutiny will not relent until comprehensive investigations are conducted and tangible actions are taken.