Wote: The Secretary Administration (SA) at the State Department for Housing and Urban Planning, Pius Riungu, has lamented over the slow pace of implementing projects, saying it negatively impacted the national government. Riungu made the remarks at a Wote hotel during a stakeholder consultative meeting attended by Makueni County contractors, consultants, and relevant government departments.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum was to review the progress in the construction of affordable houses, markets, and student hostels in the area. The SA particularly took issue with the slow pace of the construction of Mutulani and Kilala markets, whose completion period had expired, with contractors currently asking for an extension of finalization timelines.
“This slow pace of implementing government projects is giving the government a bad image. For instance, Mutulani and Kilala markets were started in 2024 and were supposed to be completed by November 2025 and yet contractors are still asking for an extension period,” lamented Riungu.
Riungu, who is overseeing the implementation of projects in the Eastern Region, said there was a need for the contractors to work closely with relevant departments to resolve any emerging challenges to complete the projects on time. At the same time, the SA said that they are going to conduct a Rapid Result Initiative (RRI) exercise in three months’ time to ensure all projects that are 70 percent and above are completed so that wananchi can start reaping benefits.
“All projects that are at 70 percent completion and above must be delivered in the next three months. When we deliver, we see the fruits of the projects,” he emphasized. Riungu therefore challenged the contractors to adhere to project specifications, quality standards, and occupational safety requirements. He also challenged them to ensure they complete the projects as scheduled in the contracts.
The SA reiterated that the ongoing government projects are aimed at improving access to decent housing, creating employment opportunities, supporting local business, and enhancing learning besides creating conducive accommodation for learners. The various contractors present promised to work closely with responsible government departments to ensure the projects are completed as expected on time.
Addressing the same meeting, Makueni County Commissioner (CC) Khalif Abdulahi said the affordable housing programme, markets development, and student hostel initiatives are transformative investments that will improve livelihoods, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the county. Abdulahi assured the stakeholders and the contractors that the national government will provide a conducive environment for the project implementation, besides coordinating relevant government agencies to address any emerging administrative or security concerns that may affect the progress of the programmes.
“I urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure that these projects are completed efficiently and within the stipulated timelines. The investments will improve livelihoods, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth within the county,” he reiterated.
Others present at the meeting included Eastern Region Housing Director Patrick Mwangi; Eastern Region Government Delivery Unit Director Duncan Mwariri and his counterpart for the Lower Eastern Region, Loice Shuma; among others.
