Kilifi: Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro has cancelled contracts for all stalled county projects, citing delays by contractors, and announced a new plan to have the projects implemented through direct community participation by residents’ committees. Speaking to the media at his residence in Kilifi town, Mung’aro said the move is aimed at curbing rising debts and preventing wastage of public funds on incomplete projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Mung’aro stated, “We have terminated contracts for projects that have stalled because contractors have taken too long to implement them.” He emphasized that smaller projects, such as the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms, technical colleges, dispensaries, wells, and even the organization of county events, will now be handled by local committees.
He further explained that funds for these projects will be disbursed directly to their respective locations, with residents tasked with overseeing their implementation. “This approach allows wananchi to supervise projects in their areas, reduce inefficiency by contractors, and stop the loss of public money through abandoned works,” Mung’aro added.
The Governor also announced the appointment of Alice Kinywa to chair a special committee mandated to investigate and verify pending debts owed by the county government. “The committee will scrutinise all claims and make recommendations on the county’s debt status, which will enhance accountability and transparency in project implementation,” he noted.
Mung’aro specified that the committee has been given 40 days to complete its investigation, adding that no contractor will be paid during this review period. “No payments will be made to contractors until the committee concludes its work. We must first establish the legitimacy of the claims,” he stated.
The Governor expressed confidence that these new measures will accelerate project implementation, enhance local ownership, create jobs, ensure economic benefits remain within the communities, and improve transparency and accountability in county operations.
