Kwale: The government has expressed satisfaction with the progress of key national development projects in Kwale County but cautioned contractors against delays that could derail timely delivery.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha said most of the projects inspected during a high-level tour were on course and poised to enhance service delivery, create jobs, and improve livelihoods in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Gathecha highlighted the progress of several projects, particularly the Mwache Dam, where new structures for a school affected by the project have already been established. The construction work for the dam is reportedly progressing well.
The Deputy Head of Public Service noted that the multi-billion-shilling Mwache Dam and the Makamini Dam projects were expected to boost water supply, support irrigation, and enhance climate resilience in Kwale and the wider Coast region once completed. The inspection tour, conducted alongside the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) led by Acting Head Olando Sitati, also covered the 29-kilometre Kwale-Kinango Road, the Regional Flagship Centre for Marine Transport and Port Logistics in Matuga, the Matuga Affordable Housing Project, Kwale Stadium, Diani Modern Market, and the Diani White House Affordable Housing Project.
Gathecha stated that the government is keen to fast-track completion of development projects ahead of the 2027 general election period to avoid possible disruptions that may slow implementation. In Matuga Constituency, the delegation toured the Matuga Affordable Housing Project, which comprises 195 housing units and 18 commercial shops at a cost of Sh527 million and is currently at 57 percent completion. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate local economic growth.
Concerns were raised over slow progress at the Diani White House Affordable Housing Project in Msambweni Constituency, prompting Gathecha to direct the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development to review the contract awarded to SIHAAM Limited and address challenges affecting implementation. He emphasized the importance of timely completion, particularly under the Affordable Housing Programme spearheaded by President William Ruto.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, who accompanied the national officials during the tour, welcomed the continued support from the National Government and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to collaboration. Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha urged local youth to take advantage of employment opportunities arising from the ongoing projects, noting that some contractors have been forced to source labour from neighbouring areas due to low local turnout.
The delegation also held engagements with implementing agencies including the Coast Water Works Development Authority (CWWDA), road agencies, and local administrators to review progress, unlock bottlenecks, and strengthen coordination. Gathecha underscored the need for strict adherence to quality standards, proactive resolution of land and funding issues, and sustained inter-agency collaboration to ensure that the projects translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for the people of Kwale County.
