Baringo's stalled projects remain an eyesore

A section of Kabarnet stadium in Baringo county on August 26,2021. Former Kimoso location chief Joseph Malatit Chebii has embarked on a over 330km charity walk to Nairobi to compel the government to complete the construction of the stadium. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] A few meters from Kabarnet town is the Kabarnet Sewage System site, which was abandoned in 2019. The project, which cost Sh600 million, was meant to improve sanitation in Baringo following the construction of the sewerage system and treatment, but has remained a far-fetched dream. The locals have questioned the county government's motive, as the project had stalled until days ago, when minimal activities, such as digging, resumed. Baringo Human Rights defender, Isaiah Biwott, regretted that the project had turned out to be a public relations stunt used by politicians to get votes. "This is more than a PR stunt; our leaders have exploited our ignorance. This has amounted to a waste of public resources by politicians to gain political mileage," he added. ALSO READ: Nairobi's water and sewerage systems get a Sh6.2 billion upgrade He explained that politicians have been launching and relaunching the project to attract votes for their selfish interests. "Have noticed some activities at the site, soon these politicians will come and launch these projects that aren't benefiting the residents, but for political mileage for those in power," he said. He alleged that many projects have suffered under the change of leadership. He stated that Baringo residents have continued to suffer not for their crimes but instigation by leaders with their selfish interests. For instance, he stated that a project like Kabarnet stadium was fenced, but still nothing has continued since as the place has been turned into a grazing zone, drinking den, and dumping site. The stadium, which is at the heart of the county headquarters, was meant to promote talent development. According to the Baringo County Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027), the 250 million stadium project would be completed within five years, but nothing has happened on the ground. In 2013, Governor Benjamin Cheboi had pumped Sh30 million for the first phase of the project, which entailed the construction of a perimeter wall, a football pitch, and an ablution block. Unfortunately, the project stalled during the tenure of the second governor, Stanley Kiptis, with Cheboi promising to complete the project, but nothing has been done even after he was elected in 2023 as the third governor. "This was a flagship project in our county, but it has remained a waste of resources as the project continued to be ideal, unutilized, even with money pumped into the project," he added. The Sh200 million pumped for the abattoir in Maoi, Loruk, and Barwesa abattoir has remained another shocker as minimal has been done, for Maoi was complete with reports that the government was in talks with an investor to operate the abattoir. Biwott stated that Loruk and Barwesa abattoirs have stalled, with farmers making it their kraal. "The government should not punish its citizens for projects that another politician started; instead, they should proceed in completing the project," he added. Biwott said that there were some markets constructed by the county but remained unutilized after completion of the project. Daisy Rono, a resident, stated that since the conceptualization of devolution, Baringo has continued to be faced with several challenges, such as stalled projects, resistance from the locals, corruption, and a lack of leadership. She blamed the county leadership for poor management, a gluttonous appetite, and a lack of ethics and morals in serving and upholding public office. Janet Nandwa, a Human Rights Defender, says that stalled projects in Baringo represent a huge setback in the county, hindering the citizens from receiving services they deserve despite paying taxes. READ: Rotting sewerage system in Kisii exposing its residents to diseases "What we are witnessing is a loss of value for money, with public resources being tied up in incomplete or poorly executed initiatives. This points to a lack of accountability among duty bearers and weak oversight mechanisms," Nandwa said. "Under budgeting during the budget process has remained a challenge, as estimates are made without a full plan for service delivery. As a result, we see completed structures standing idle for years without equipment or staff." She regretted that political interference and interest had led to the discontinuation of many projects. "In many cases, projects are initiated without proper public participation or expert advice on their viability, leading to waste and abandonment," she added. She stated that citizens deserve projects that are people-driven, adequately budgeted, properly planned, transparently implemented, delivered to completion, and deliver services. The County Secretary, Jacob Chepkwony, and Governor Cheboi did not respond to our calls and text messages regarding stalled projects. ychepkwony@standardmedia.co.ke

Baringo's stalled projects remain an eyesore

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