Nyanza governors on the spot over mega projects

Governors in Nyanza are facing a rough time over failure to implement multi-billion shilling development projects three years after they were launched.

The mega projects, which governors Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), promised to launch shortly after they took office, have become a campaign tool for their opponents.

The projects covered lake transport, agricultural value addition, housing development schemes and health upgrades.

Speaking to Nation on Sunday and leaders in the counties accused the governors of hoodwinking the public on the projects despite spending a lot of money in their launch.

The county bosses have also been accused of not sharing information on feasibility studies carried out on the development projects.

“The governors, including my governor Ranguma, have been very insincere in what they tell residents,” said Dr Hezron Mc’Obewa, who seeks to oust governor Ranguma next year.

“They were just playing to the gallery during campaigns and looking for salaried jobs,” he added.

Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and Homa Bay governorship aspirant Samuel Wakiaga asked Mr Awiti to explain why there were delays in the projects.

“The failures are an indication that these projects were meant to embezzle public funds,” Mr Magwanga said.

Mr Wakiaga said: “Governor Awiti should be able to tell Homa Bay residents what went wrong with the projects. Voters should ask him such questions when he will be campaigning for his re-election.”

In Homa Bay, a Sh560 billion project is yet to begin. The project is being implemented by the county government and Good Earth Power, an international consortium based in Oman with interests in construction, energy, communications and land development.

The project, which would include green energy power plants, roads, water treatment plants, waste management and telecommunication systems and the pact was signed in October 2013.

“The search for investors in projects of such magnitude is a big task. The feasibility report was submitted in January last year and the project is still on course,” said Mr Awiti.

SH400 BILLION SHIP

The governor said major projects such as these ones normally take long to start. “For example, the standard gauge railway and the Lamu port conceived during President Mwai Kibaki’s time are yet to take off. This does not mean it is a hoax,” Mr Awiti added.

In Kisumu County, a planned Sh400 billion ship that was to be built by a Canadian company, Continental Maritime, is still a pipe dream.

The company signed an agreement with the county government in October 2013 to build 22 ferries that would ply the various ports on Lake Victoria.

This is besides a 30-year plan by the county government to remodel the town to face the lake under the Kisumu Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan. 

In his defence, Mr Ranguma said: “Attracting investors in this sector depends on how fast the national government provides enablers. But we will continue our discussions to get them on board, especially on projects concerning Lake Victoria. As a matter of fact, we want the management of lake resources handed over to the counties.”

Kenya Railways Corporation is managing the lake piers, together with the Kenya Ports Authority, whose mandate was extended to inland waters.
In Siaya, Mr Rasanga said attracting investment into such major projects was a tough task.

He said the time frame for the implementation of a multi-billion drug manufacturing plant that was to be set up by American investors was not clear.

“We’ll continue doing our work. Local investments are coming. For instance, a farmer wants to grow sugarcane in the Yala swamp,” Mr Rasanga told the Nation.

The Americans were to invest Sh50 billion in upgrading the main hospital. Mr Rasanga made the announcement after a visit to the US in December 2013.