Kindiki warns contractors of arrest, prosecution over shoddy govt projects

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned contractors involved in government projects against being lethargic, warning them of potential arrests if they fail to take their responsibilities seriously. At a launch event for the bitumen-standard upgrade of the Marimanti-Kibung'a – Mukuyuni Road in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kindiki emphasized that he would not permit contractors who have already been paid by the government to deliver subpar work.

He highlighted that some crucial projects had taken an excessive amount of time to complete despite the payment of all dues owed to the contractors.

Kindiki instructed government officers to intensify their supervision and ensure that infrastructure projects are finished within the set timelines. He was joined by Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara, Chuka/Igamba-Ng’ombe MP Patrick Munene, Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira (Energy), Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy), Woman Rep Susan Ngugi, and numerous MCAs led by Majority Leader Justin Kithinji.

Kindiki cautioned that fraudulent contractors would soon face prosecution in court, stating that those who receive government funds and fail to deliver would be charged with obtaining money through false pretences.

The newly upgraded bitumen road between Tharaka and Imenti Central constituencies is anticipated to enhance mobility, connectivity, trade, growth, and development in the Mt. Kenya region. Kindiki assured the locals that numerous additional projects are in the pipeline. He emphasized that the contractor is under strict instructions to complete the job without unnecessary delays, adding that they have just begun and this marks the start of further developments.

Moreover, Kindiki reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering development throughout the country and ending years of marginalization. He pointed out that Tharaka Nithi has been overlooked by previous administrations and assured the locals that the government has allocated Sh6 billion for the upgrading of approximately 515 kilometers of roads to bitumen standards.

For example, he noted that when President William Ruto was elected in 2022, only 11% of households in Tharaka constituency had electricity connectivity. Currently, this number has risen to 40%, with certain constituencies reaching 70% and others 90%. However, Kindiki assured that this progress would continue, with the objective of achieving complete coverage within the next one to two years.