KeNHA puts Kericho interchange contractor on notice over delays

But yesterday, Mundinia said the problems have been resolved and the works began in February this year.

“The contractor is fully mobilised and we expect that the site will be handed to the government on November 5,” he added. 

He revealed that the government released the advance certificate and money to the contractor last month.

“The previous contractor had done the works up to 60 per cent. The earthworks and the bridge had been done meaning the works at the Kericho interchange is less that than the pending works at the Ahero interchange,” said Mundania.

The interchange in Ahero is at the junction of Kisumu-Kericho and Ahero-Kisii roads.

When complete, the Kericho interchange is expected to ease traffic flow and movement of goods and services in the region, which boasts of tea farming and processing and rice growing in the Kisumu region.

It is not the first time government officials are complaining about the delay and slow pace of work on the interchange.

On January 28, this year, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya expressed dismay when he visited the site and found that the contractor had not moved there three months after winning the tender.

“There are no machines on site. The contractor cannot be said to be still setting up three months down the line from the commencement date yet this is not a new but a continuing project,” he said.

“The first contractor left the job 60 per cent complete, leaving only 39 per cent to be finalised,” Mr Natembeya added.