Contractors failing to deliver government projects risk termination, Ruto warns

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to contractors responsible for delays in implementing crucial government projects.

Speaking on Wednesday in Kisii, where he inspected the construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre, the President stressed that the government is committed to fulfilling its promises to the people, and contractors who undermine these efforts will not be tolerated.

“There are many contractors who are letting us down, and we will not allow them. This is the year for delivering our agenda as planned,” Ruto said.

The President expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the Kisii Cancer Centre project, highlighting concerns over delays despite having made payments.

He instructed the contractor to ensure the project is completed according to the terms of the agreement or face termination of the contract.

“You have been paid all the money required. There is no reason whatsoever why this project is not progressing,” Ruto said, emphasising the need for swift and efficient execution of government projects.

Meanwhile, a report by the Controller of Budget (COB) has revealed that counties collectively owe more than Sh194 billion to suppliers and contractors.

We have laid a strong foundation to accelerate the fulfilment of our promise to the people. Contractors delaying the implementation of key programmes will not be tolerated.

In Kisii, inspected the construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre, a vital component of our healthcare plan.… pic.twitter.com/GRKKKWmGJA

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 1, 2025

The latest County Government Budget Implementation Review Report indicates that of this amount, Sh149.50 billion is for recurrent expenditure, while Sh44.51 billion is for development.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o noted that the accumulation of pending bills is hampering service delivery and disrupting business operations.

“The accumulation of pending bills negatively affects public service delivery and disrupts business operations. County governments are advised to prioritise the settlement of eligible pending bills as a first charge to their budgets in compliance with the law,” she said.

She further urged counties to adhere to a Senate resolution issued in May 2024, requiring all verified pending bills to be cleared by the 2024/25 financial year.

The report highlights that as of September 30, 2024, Nairobi City County, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, leads with outstanding pending bills of Sh121.06 billion. Garissa County follows with Sh6.07 billion, Kiambu Sh5.90 billion, Turkana Sh4.78 billion, Machakos Sh4.42 billion, and Mombasa Sh3.93 billion.

Other counties with significant pending bills include Kisumu, where Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o owes Sh2.7 billion, and Kisii, under Governor Simba Arati, which has Sh2.3 billion. Tana River’s Governor Dhadho Godhana owes Sh2.1 billion, Kilifi’s Gideon Mung’aro Sh2 billion, and Kajiado’s Joseph ole Lenku also Sh2 billion.

Additional counties facing challenges include Taita Taveta, which owes Sh1.9 billion under Governor Andrew Mwadime, Embu with Sh1.9 billion under Cecil Mbarire, and Mandera with Sh1.8 billion under Mohamed Adan Khalif. Others include Migori (Sh1.7 billion), Kwale (Sh1.66 billion), Laikipia (Sh1.64 billion), Wajir (Sh1.6 billion), and Kakamega (Sh1.56 billion).

Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru owes Sh1.5 billion, while Bungoma, under Governor Ken Lusaka, has Sh1.58 billion in unpaid bills. Narok’s Governor Patrick ole Ntutu owes Sh1.503 billion, followed by Vihiga at Sh1.4 billion, Busia at Sh1.37 billion, and Nyandarua at Sh1.22 billion.

Meru, led by Governor Kawira Mwangaza, has Sh1.21 billion in unpaid bills, while Murang’a owes Sh1.1 billion under Governor Irungu Kang’ata. Bomet, under Governor Hillary Barchok, has Sh1 billion in pending bills.

Smaller pending amounts are recorded in Isiolo (Sh1.08 billion), Kirinyaga (Sh1.02 billion), and Marsabit (Sh998.2 million). Trans Nzoia owes Sh889.4 million, Nyamira Sh784 million, and Nandi Sh725 million.

Counties with the lowest pending bills include Lamu, under Governor Issa Timamy, with Sh49 million, and Elgeyo Marakwet, under Governor Wisley Rotich, with Sh67 million.

The Controller of Budget has reiterated the importance of addressing pending bills to ensure service delivery and economic stability at both county and national levels.