Team inspects Govt projects in Vihiga

The Western Regional Commissioner, Samson Irungu Macharia, led a high-level team of national government officials during a comprehensive inspection and supervision tour of ongoing government projects in Vihiga County.

The exercise, aimed at strengthening coordination and monitoring across ministries, state departments, and agencies, commenced with a courtesy call to Vihiga County Commissioner Peter Maina Mwangi before embarking on the tour of the projects.

The team made the first stop at the Mbale Market project, currently at the excavation stage. The Sh350 million modern two-storey market is expected to accommodate over 5,000 small-scale traders upon completion.

The project, which is part of the national government’s 400-market initiative, will include an ICT hub, cold storage facilities, and a designated mothers’ area to enhance trade and social amenities.

At the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Vihiga, the team noted that construction, which began in 2019, is now 90 per cent complete. Although not yet operational, the institution has 15 classrooms and adequate office space for staff.

According to the principal, Michael Nyamasi, the remaining works include roofing and completion of nearby hostels. The hostel project, valued at Sh211 million, is still at the excavation stage and is expected to be completed by January 2027.

However, persistent rains and delays in clarification of construction drawings have slowed progress.

The delegation also inspected a transformer booster project implemented by Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation at Lohove Salvation Army.

The Sh10 million project, already commissioned and handed over to Kenya Power and Lighting Company, is set to benefit 120 households. The project engineer, Stephen Kidenge, cited the lack of funds for metering as the main challenge.

At Boyani, the team assessed the proposed Kenya School of Government project, which is currently 19 per cent complete. The three-year project, valued at Sh 1.1 billion, has experienced a 14-month suspension due to delayed payments and insufficient advance funds for contractor mobilisation.

The inspection further covered the Luanda Market project, where construction is reported to be progressing well, as well as the County Aggregation and Industrial Park, a joint initiative between the national and county governments valued at Sh496 million. It was noted that only the county government has so far disbursed funds.

The county government has so far disbursed 58 million, while the national government has yet to release its share.

At Sabatia Technical and Vocational College, the team found that construction of student hostels had stalled after the contractor reportedly abandoned the site at the excavation stage.

The tour also included inspection of the ongoing upgrading of the Shamakhokho–Kaimosi -Mpaka–Museno roads to bitumen standards.

The 33-kilometre project traversing Vihiga and Kakamega counties. The 33-kilometre road project is valued at approximately Sh1.57 billion. Challenges affecting progress include relocation of power poles, sewer lines along the road corridor, and inadequate road reserve in certain sections.

Speaking after the inspection, Macharia acknowledged the challenges facing several projects, particularly delays in funding and weather-related disruptions. He noted that some issues, especially those involving Kenya Power, were resolved on-site through engagement with relevant officers.

The Regional Commissioner, however, expressed satisfaction with the progress made in some projects and assured that security measures would be enhanced to safeguard materials in stalled sites and ensure continuity once works resume.

By Rose Wasike