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.
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).
“Generally, we have inspected several projects which are progressing well, especially the Mwache Dam where new structures for a school affected by the project have already been put in place. Construction work for the dam is progressing very well,” said Gathecha.
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 said 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.
However, he raised concern over slow progress at the Diani White House Affordable Housing Project in Msambweni Constituency and directed the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to review the contract awarded to SIHAAM Limited and address challenges affecting implementation.
“Contractors have no option but to deliver projects within the agreed timelines so that people can benefit,” he said, emphasising that timely completion is critical, 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.
“Your visit today assures us that these projects are going to be completed because they mean a lot to our people in matters of service delivery. We will continue to complement the efforts of the national government,” he said.
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.
“We must encourage our youth to take advantage of these opportunities. When they fail to turn up for work, contractors are compelled to seek labour elsewhere, which contributes to delays,” she said.
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.
By Chari Suche
