By Team
Concerns have emerged over Sh 500M part of the Sh 1.4 billion for the infrastructural developments by development partners for the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2) in Homa Bay county.
The first disbursement was part of the Sh 1.4 billion meant for infrastructural development, but no work has commenced even after the release of the funds.
Equally, questions have emerged over the award of the tender, with allegations that the first two candidates were not considered for the award, with the county government preferring to award the bidder who came third.
The irony is that the national government infrastructural projects that were earmarked for the Madaraka Day celebrations have been completed in a record time, while the donor-funded project that is being implemented by the county government is yet to take off, with the project term nearing the end.
And now the residents have expressed fear that the projects may stall following the failure of the contractor to commence work at the various sites in the county.
The Principal Secretary , State Department of Housing and Urban Development, has responded to the request for information and concerns raised by the Homa Bay-based civic organisation over the Sh 1.4 billion Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP 2).
He said the infrastructure upgrade implementation has not commenced.
The project, which is a five-year program, became effective in March 2021 and is expected to close in July 2025 for International Development Agency (IDA)financing and in December 2028 for the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) financing.
Interface Community Desk had written to the PS Charles Hinga seeking to know the total length of roads being upgraded or constructed under KISIP 2, detailed dimensions and specifications for the roads, including carriageways, footpaths and drainage system.
Design plans and layout for infrastructure improvement, progress reports, tenders or contracts, and detailed bills for quantities for the roads.
“From our monitoring of the ongoing KISIP 2 road projects, we have serious concerns that the works currently being done do not conform to required standards.
We strongly urge your office to provide clarity on whether the roads currently being constructed meet the approved standards under KISIP 2 and whether any modifications are planned to correct these concerns,” wrote Evans Oloo Gor, chairperson of the organisation.
The PS, in his response to the status of the project, wrote, “On the infrastructure upgrade, implementation has not commenced.
The project is still in the process of recruiting an implementing partner to support community-led implementation of labour-intensive community works (LICW) in selected informal settlements.
The services will include support in designing the agreed-upon activities and supervision of work and workers.
This will entail engaging the community and other stakeholders in co-designing, drawing, bill of quantities, preparation of schedules of materials, tools, equipment, labour, as well as the supervision of work and workers.”
Hinga said in Homa Bay county, the interventions of KISIP 2 under sub-component 1.2 covers Makongeni, Shauri Yako, Sofia, a thousand streets, Nyandiwa and Rusinga old town settlements.
“ The proposed interventions for the large works entailed, construction of a total of 9.7km and 2.3 km of 9km and 6km wide corridor roads respectively, and roadside drainage works as well as foot paths in all six settlements.
Construction of a box culvert in Makongeni settlement, construction of 2.4 km wide by 1.3m deep by 1.08km long along storm water in Shauri Yako and construction of 0.922km long roadside drains along tarmacked roads in Shauri Yako and construction of 2m wide by 2m deep by 1.65km long storm water drainage in Nyandiwa.
Construction of 30 m high security mast in Shauri Yako, three in number, Sofia, Makongeni, A Thousand Street, one each, Nyandiwa 2.
Construction of 436 solar-powered street lighting in selected roads in all six settlements, construction of ablution blocks in Shauri Yako (2), Rusinga old town (1) and construction of elevated tanks of capacity 100 mm2 in Shauri Yako and Rusinga old town.
Construction of vending platforms in Shari Yako and Nyandiwa, and landscaping and greening of children ‘s park Shauri Yako,” he wrote.
Hinga said the contract for large works funded by IDA had been awarded to MS Richpam Company Limited in a joint venture with Ms. Sajucy Company Limited at a sum of Sh 1,407,104,554.44.
The works commenced in June 2024, with the current estimated progress standing at 36 per cent against time elapsed of 60 per cent.
Hinga said the survey process has been concluded with LP&LUDP being approved and the RIMS amended.
The project is undertaking further verification of the lists of beneficiaries to allow for the preparation of ownership documents.
The County spokesperson and Chief Officer of Communication, Ms. Atieno Otieno, did not respond to our text messages.
