A section of residents of Kakamega County have raised concerns over stalled projects and put the County Executive and County Assembly on the spot.
The residents protested about the delays, demanding accountability from the legislative arm in the County Assembly for projects that have remained incomplete, with some spanning more than five years back.
Speaking on Monday at Social Hall during a public hearing on the Kakamega County Annual Development Plan (ADP) for the financial year 2026/2027, residents expressed frustrations with the county government for failing to complete projects over several past financial years, saying this has deprived them of essential services and development.
The residents also criticised the governor for failing to deliver on many promises he made and also Members of County Assembly (MCAs) for allegedly siding with him rather than exercising their oversight role. They said doing so has undermined the checks and balances essential for good governance.
Maurice Luvutsi blamed the MCAs for failing in their oversight role, saying this has been exacerbated by the alleged starving of Wards by the Executive of the development funds allocated every year.
His sentiments were echoed by Nelson Masheti and Ramadhani Bukhuru who said there were no new projects being implemented in the rural areas despite allocations being earmarked for them.
Speaking at the forum, the Chairperson of the Finance, Economic and Planning Committee at Kakamega County Assembly, Bonface Lubanga, who is also the MCA for Khalaba Ward acknowledged the residents’ concerns and frustrations, saying the same would be addressed.
This comes in the wake of a report by the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Inter-governmental Relations, which raised queries over stalled development projects in the county.
The committee led by Wajir Senator Mohammed Abass, which inspected the status of various projects cited several county projects like the Bukhungu stadium, the Buttali-Chekulo road and the multi-billion Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
However, the Teaching and Referral Hospital received a lifeline after the National government took over its completion.
The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) is supervising the completion of the Level Six hospital and will complete it within six months.
By George Kaiga
