Members of the national assembly committee on Transport and Infrastructure have inspected the stalled Chavakali-Shamakho-Kitulu-Kapsabet road in Vihiga County and called for urgent action to ensure the project is completed to the required standards.
Led by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, accompanied by Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama and his Jomvu counterpart Twalib Bady, they visited the county Friday to assess progress of the road project, following numerous complaints from residents over its poor condition.
The delegation first paid a courtesy call to the Vihiga County Commissioner’s office, where they met Deputy County Commissioner Linet Orina, before proceeding to inspect the road.
Addressing residents and project stakeholders during the inspection, Kajwang expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the road, which is riddled with potholes and has been blamed for frequent accidents.
The Ruaraka MP questioned the contractor and engineers from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) over delays in completing the project, despite confirmation that all payments had been made.
Kajwang faulted the quality of maintenance works being undertaken, noting that some sections of the road appeared to have been patched hurriedly ahead of the committee’s visit.
“It is unacceptable for a contractor to remain on a maintenance contract for over a year without delivering quality work. The government has fulfilled its financial obligations and wananchi deserve value for money,” he said.
The contractor informed the delegation that the works involved road overlay and repairs but acknowledged that there were no pending bills from the government.
Kajwang warned that poor workmanship tarnishes the government’s image, while the residents continued to suffer due to the road’s poor condition.
The road, which traverses Sabatia Constituency and links Vihiga and Nandi counties, is a key transport corridor for residents in the region and the business fraternity.
B The inspection followed a complaint lodged by Sabatia MP Clement Sloya, who had raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the road and the risks it posed to both motorists and pedestrians.
Kajwang assured residents that decisive action would be taken to ensure the project was completed. “This road will be expanded and improved to facilitate transport and spur economic growth in the region,” he said.
The legislators further urged KeNHA engineers who were on the ground to strengthen supervision of the project and prepare a comprehensive report on its status.
They emphasized the need for enhanced oversight by all relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to ensure the project meets the expectations of the people.
By Rose Wasike
