Partially built modern stadium and hospital with idle construction equipment against Uasin Gishu County landscape, symbolizing stalled development projects.
Uasin Gishu County, located in Kenya’s North Rift region and home to President William Ruto, is under close scrutiny for several stalled development projects worth billions of shillings. Governor Jonathan Bii, also known as “Koti Moja,” leads the county as it faces growing accusations of mismanaged public funds and neglected infrastructure projects.
Recent investigations have uncovered a concerning trend: contractors being fully paid for incomplete work on major projects such as:
- The Ksh 700 million Kipchoge Stadium
- A Ksh 600 million 400-bed Ziwa Level Four Hospital
- A special needs assessment centre valued at Ksh 2.4 billion
Local residents are speaking out, demanding immediate action from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The Senate Public Accounts Committee shares these concerns and has instructed the EACC to conduct thorough investigations into the county’s project management practices.
This article delves into the growing controversy surrounding Uasin Gishu’s stalled projects, examining:
- The specific details of abandoned development initiatives
- Allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement
- The findings and recommendations of the Senate committee
- Public response and calls for accountability
- Political implications for Governor Bii’s administration
- Wider challenges in Kenya’s county governance system
Understanding the Stalled Development Projects in Uasin Gishu County
The scale of abandoned development projects in Uasin Gishu County reveals a concerning pattern of incomplete infrastructure initiatives. Three major projects stand out:
1. Kipchoge Stadium – Ksh 700 Million
- Construction halted over two years ago
- Intended as a state-of-the-art sports facility
- Contractors left the site with significant structural work incomplete
2. Ziwa Level Four Hospital – Ksh 600 Million
- Phase one and two remain unfinished despite full contractor payment
- 400-bed capacity medical facility
- County administration proceeded to tender phase three without completing previous phases
- Critical healthcare services delayed for local communities
3. Special Needs Assessment Centre – Ksh 2.4 Billion
- Largest budgeted project among the stalled initiatives
- Designed to serve children with disabilities
- Construction site shows minimal progress despite substantial funding allocation
These projects trace back to former Governor Jackson Mandago’s administration, now serving as the county senator. The transition to Governor Jonathan Bii’s leadership has not resolved the construction delays, raising questions about project management continuity and contractor oversight. Site inspections by the Senate Public Accounts Committee revealed abandoned construction equipment, deteriorating incomplete structures, and missing contractors across all three locations.
Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds in Uasin Gishu County Projects
Uasin Gishu County’s development projects are facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. The Senate Public Accounts Committee has discovered a troubling trend where contractors are receiving full payments for work that remains unfinished on important infrastructure projects.
Key Findings from the Investigation
The committee’s investigation has revealed some concerning findings:
- Contractors received complete payment for unfinished phases at Ziwa Level Four Hospital
- Multiple projects abandoned for over two years despite full disbursement of funds
- Irregular tendering processes, including initiating phase three contracts before completing earlier phases
These findings echo similar concerns raised in other regions, such as the ongoing investigations into the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, where ex-officials were grilled by the Public Accounts Committee over audit findings revealing misappropriation of funds.
Lack of Oversight and Potential Graft
The absence of effective oversight mechanisms has created opportunities for potential corruption. During site visits, committee chairman Moses Kajwang emphasized these irregularities, stating:
“We were surprised to find all abandoned projects. Contractors awarded tenders left the sites over two years ago after full payment without completing work”
Impact on Uasin Gishu Residents
The alleged corrupt practices have far-reaching consequences beyond financial losses. The residents of Uasin Gishu are experiencing:
- Delayed access to critical healthcare services at Ziwa Level Four Hospital
- Limited sports development opportunities due to the stalled Kipchoge Stadium
- Inadequate support for special needs children awaiting the assessment centre
Local community members are increasingly frustrated as essential services remain out of reach. The suspected misappropriation of funds has caused a significant setback in the county’s development plans, impacting various sectors such as healthcare and sports infrastructure.
The Role of the Senate Public Accounts Committee in Investigating Uasin Gishu County Projects
The Senate Public Accounts Committee has taken decisive action in response to mounting concerns over stalled projects in Uasin Gishu County. Under the leadership of Chairman Moses Kajwang, the committee conducted extensive site visits to assess the status of major infrastructure developments.
During their inspection of Ziwa Level Four Hospital, the committee uncovered serious irregularities:
- The contractor received full payment despite incomplete work on phases one and two
- County officials proceeded to tender phase three before completing earlier phases
- Construction sites remained abandoned for over two years
“During our tour of major projects in Uasin Gishu County, we were surprised to find all abandoned. Contractors awarded tenders left the sites over two years ago after full payment without completing work,” – Moses Kajwang, Committee Chairman
The committee’s investigation brought together key senators including:
- Johnes Mwaruma (Taita-Taveta)
- Enock Wambua (Kitui)
- Samson Cherargei (Nandi)
- Steve Lelegwe (Samburu)
In a direct challenge to Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration, the committee confronted county leadership at the Uasin Gishu County Assembly. They questioned the allocation of funds to abandoned projects and raised concerns about spending priorities that showed minimal community benefit.
The committee’s findings prompted an immediate directive to EACC, demanding a thorough investigation into potential misuse of public resources across these stalled developments.
Public Demand for EACC Probe and Accountability Measures in Uasin Gishu County Projects
Residents of Uasin Gishu County have intensified their calls for a thorough EACC investigation into the stalled development projects. Local community leaders and activists point to a pattern of incomplete work despite full contractor payments, raising serious concerns about the management of public funds.
“We need answers from Governor Bii’s administration. These projects were meant to serve our community, yet they stand abandoned while our taxes disappear,” says James Kiprop, a community organizer from Eldoret.
The public outcry centers on three key demands:
- Immediate forensic audit of all payments made to contractors
- Public disclosure of project timelines and completion status
- Legal action against officials involved in potential misappropriation
Local business owners report significant economic losses due to the incomplete infrastructure. Sarah Jebet, who runs a shop near the stalled Kipchoge Stadium, shares: “We invested in our businesses expecting increased customer flow from the stadium. Now we’re struggling because nothing is happening.”
The residents emphasize that Uasin Gishu’s status as President Ruto’s home county should set higher standards for accountability. They’ve organized peaceful demonstrations and submitted petitions to both county offices and EACC headquarters, demanding swift action to restore public trust in county governance.
“The EACC must act now. Each day of delay means more opportunities for evidence tampering and further misuse of public resources,” states anti-corruption activist Peter Kimani during a recent community forum.
Political Implications for Governor Jonathan Bii (Koti Moja) Amidst Corruption Allegations in Uasin Gishu County Projects
Governor Jonathan Bii’s political standing faces significant challenges as corruption allegations cast a shadow over his administration. The scrutiny intensifies given Uasin Gishu’s status as President William Ruto’s home county, placing additional pressure on “Koti Moja” to maintain high governance standards.
Local residents express growing dissatisfaction with the governor’s leadership:
- Loss of Public Trust: The stalled projects have eroded confidence in Bii’s ability to deliver on campaign promises
- Political Reputation Damage: His nickname “Koti Moja” (meaning one coat) – once a symbol of humility – now draws criticism as residents question his leadership capabilities
- Regional Political Impact: The allegations threaten to weaken his influence within the Kenya Kwanza coalition
The corruption claims have sparked debates about systemic failures in county governance. Critics point to:
- Weak oversight mechanisms in project implementation
- Poor coordination between county departments
- Lack of transparent procurement processes
Should EACC investigations confirm wrongdoing, Governor Bii could face:
- Potential criminal charges
- Calls for impeachment from county assembly members
- Diminished political influence in regional politics
- Strained relationships with national government allies
The situation highlights deeper issues within county governance structures, where political appointments often override merit-based selections in key administrative positions.
Challenges in Addressing Corruption in Kenyan Counties Beyond Uasin Gishu Case Study
The problems faced by Uasin Gishu County are indicative of larger issues within Kenya’s decentralized governance system. County governments encounter several obstacles in effectively managing projects and combating corruption:
Key Systemic Challenges:
- Weak procurement oversight mechanisms
- Limited technical capacity for project supervision
- Poor contractor vetting procedures
- Inadequate documentation and record-keeping
- Political interference in project implementation
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) struggles with limited resources while trying to investigate multiple corruption cases across all 47 counties. An audit conducted in 2023 revealed that 60% of county development projects remain unfinished even after contractors have been fully paid.
Common Procurement Red Flags:
- Inflated project costs
- Ghost contractors (non-existent or inactive contractors)
- Irregular tender awards
- Manipulated bidding processes
- Substandard work quality
Counties do not have strong systems in place to monitor how well contractors are performing or to hold them accountable. The Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) used by the National Treasury has proven ineffective in preventing fraud during procurement processes.
Recent investigations carried out by the EACC found similar patterns of abandoned projects in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru counties. Contractors often take advantage of weaknesses in payment systems, receiving funds without actually delivering the promised infrastructure.
The transfer of power to control corruption from the national level to county level has created new challenges for oversight bodies at the national level. County assemblies often fail to fulfill their role as watchdogs, allowing executive branches to misuse development funds without facing much scrutiny. This scenario is further complicated by the lack of comprehensive financial management strategies, which could provide a framework for better accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
Conclusion
The Uasin Gishu County case highlights significant weaknesses in Kenya’s county governance systems. Quick action from the EACC is crucial to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability for the millions of taxpayer shillings spent on stalled projects like the Kipchoge Stadium and Ziwa Level Four Hospital.
Key recommendations to strengthen county governance include:
- Implementation of real-time project monitoring systems to track construction progress against payments
- Creation of independent oversight committees with citizen representation
- Mandatory public disclosure of all contractor payments and project milestones
- Regular site inspections by qualified technical teams
- Strict enforcement of procurement regulations with penalties for non-compliance
The success of devolved governance relies on establishing strong accountability measures across all 47 counties. The demands of Uasin Gishu residents for EACC intervention show a growing public awareness of corruption’s impact on development. Their push for investigations sets an important example for other counties facing similar issues.
The EACC must now show its commitment to fighting corruption by:
- Conducting thorough investigations into the stalled projects
- Recovering misappropriated funds
- Prosecuting officials involved in procurement irregularities
- Establishing preventive measures against future misuse of public resources
These actions will help restore trust in county governance and ensure development projects benefit local communities as intended.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the main stalled development projects in Uasin Gishu County under Governor Jonathan Bii?
The key stalled development projects in Uasin Gishu County include the Kipchoge Stadium valued at Ksh 700 million, the incomplete Ziwa Level Four Hospital construction worth Ksh 600 million, and the special needs assessment centre with an estimated cost of Ksh 2.4 billion. These projects have either been abandoned or left incomplete, affecting service delivery in the county.
What allegations of corruption have been made regarding Uasin Gishu County’s stalled projects?
There are allegations that contractors were fully paid for major county projects despite failing to complete the work. Reports from the Senate Public Accounts Committee highlight a lack of oversight and possible graft in the disbursement of funds, suggesting misuse of public money intended for development projects in Uasin Gishu.
How has the Senate Public Accounts Committee responded to the stalled projects in Uasin Gishu?
The Senate Public Accounts Committee, led by chairman Moses Kajwang, has directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the stalled projects. The committee expressed serious concerns over abandoned infrastructure and misuse of funds during site visits, emphasizing accountability and transparency in county project management.
Why are residents demanding an EACC probe into Uasin Gishu County projects?
Residents of Uasin Gishu demand an EACC investigation to ensure transparency and accountability from Governor Jonathan Bii’s administration. They seek prompt action to prevent further misuse of taxpayers’ money, legal proceedings against those responsible, and restoration of public trust through thorough corruption investigations.
What political implications does the corruption controversy have for Governor Jonathan Bii (Koti Moja)?
The corruption allegations have put Governor Jonathan Bii under intense scrutiny locally and nationally, especially since Uasin Gishu is President William Ruto’s home county. The controversy risks damaging his reputation, with local perceptions attributing blame to both leadership failures and systemic governance issues. Confirmed wrongdoing could lead to significant political fallout.
What broader challenges do Kenyan counties face regarding corruption and stalled development projects?
Beyond Uasin Gishu, many Kenyan counties struggle with project management inefficiencies, contractor performance monitoring lapses, procurement irregularities, and weak anti-corruption controls. National bodies like the EACC play a crucial role in curbing corruption at devolved government levels by enforcing accountability frameworks to prevent misuse of public resources and improve project completion rates.
