State House Responds to Lawyer Morara’s Claims About Kisii Road Project
- Road Project: Metembe – Marani – Kegogi – Nyaore Road in Kisii, 64.6 km long, is the focus of the controversy.
- Initial Project: Launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016, with partial completion before termination in 2023.
- Current Status: Re-tendered and re-launched by President William Ruto in 2024 after resolving previous contractor issues.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohammed has addressed accusations by lawyer and activist Morara Kebaso regarding the ongoing road projects in Kisii, specifically the Metembe – Marani – Kegogi – Nyaore Road. The 64.6-kilometer road traverses the Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies in Kisii County and has recently become a focal point in debates about the efficacy of development projects initiated by President William Ruto’s administration.
Morara, who has gained attention for his nationwide tour inspecting government projects, criticized local leaders for commending President Ruto for what he claimed was a redundant relaunch of the road project. He pointed out that the project was originally launched in 2016 under then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and questioned the legitimacy of the recent ceremony.
In response, Hussein Mohammed clarified the timeline and circumstances surrounding the road project. He acknowledged that the road was indeed launched in 2016, with construction beginning on August 5 of that year. However, due to the non-performance of the contractor, the project was terminated in May 2023 after only 27 kilometers had been completed—well short of the intended progress given the 30-month contract duration.
The project was subsequently re-tendered and awarded to a new contractor in March 2024, with construction recommencing on June 22, 2024. President Ruto officially relaunched the road project to signify the government’s commitment to completing all stalled infrastructure projects.
Mohammed emphasized that a project launch is often ceremonial and does not necessarily mark the start of construction. He urged Morara and others to focus on the actual progress being made on the ground rather than the ceremonial aspects, citing ongoing work on the Kegogi-Sombogo-Marani-Ititi section as evidence.
This clarification from the State House aims to dispel any misconceptions and reassure the public of the government’s dedication to fulfilling its infrastructure commitments across the country.
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