Cabinet Secretary asked to be tough on contractors

Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta ended his Kakamega tour by inspecting the Kakamega-Webuye Road which is due for completion mid next year. Speaking to Ikolomani residents, the President was categorical that his Government is committed to seeing the road completed soonest.

“I will not be inspecting every road construction so that a contractor winds up a project in the agreed time; that is your work,” a disappointed Uhuru said, pointing at Michael Kamau, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure.

The road, started by a different contractor, had stalled for two months after the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure delayed to release funds. The President maintained it does not matter which party Kakamega residents voted for, for they had a right to benefit from the national coffers. “I know you voted for CORD, but you have a right to development as citizens of this nation. This Government is yours too,” Uhuru said at a stopover in Khayega Market where a handful of residents had gathered to see him.

He urged the youth who have taken Uwezo Fund loans to repay so that others can benefit. Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinyali said he would cooperate with the reigning Government. He asked the President to elevate Eregi Teachers College to a university and Iguhu Health Centre  to a teaching and referral hospital.