Senate Puts Uasin Gishu County on the Spot Over Billions Wasted in Stalled Mega Projects
A 2025 report by The Star confirmed that these projects had collectively consumed over Ksh5 billion, most of it disbursed during the previous county administration
Senator Moses Kajwang’ grills Uasin Gishu County officials during a heated Public Accounts Committee session at the county assembly, demanding answers over billions lost in stalled projects
Uasin Gishu County is under intense scrutiny after the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised alarm over several multi-billion-shilling stalled development projects, most of which were launched during the tenure of former Governor Jackson Mandago. The committee, led by Senator Moses Kajwang’, has demanded answers from current Governor Jonathan Bii and his administration, citing serious concerns over mismanagement, lack of oversight, and possible loss of public funds.
The committee’s visit to the county assembly this week revealed a disturbing pattern of ambitious infrastructure initiatives that have either stalled or remain grossly underutilized, despite the billions already sunk into them. Speaking during the oversight tour, Senator Kajwang’ described the projects as “white elephants” that have created minimal or no value for the public.
“We are at a loss to understand how projects that received massive budgetary allocations are still incomplete and unused,” said Senator Kajwang’. “This represents not just a waste of public resources, but a betrayal of public trust.”
Projects Under the Spotlight
64 Stadium
At the center of the controversy is the 64 Stadium in Eldoret. Originally budgeted at over Ksh1.1 billion, the project was envisioned as a flagship sports facility capable of hosting international tournaments and seating up to 12,000 spectators. However, despite nearing 72.5% completion as of January 2025, the stadium has remained dormant, with no clear date for completion.
According to official records and county communications, the stadium was intended to bolster Uasin Gishu’s profile as a sports tourism hub, especially given the county’s global reputation for producing elite athletes. However, misalignment between funding and execution, coupled with bureaucratic delays, has hampered progress.
Ziwa Level V Hospital
Another major project under the Senate’s microscope is the Ziwa Level V Hospital, which has already consumed Ksh490 million in public funds during its first phase. Despite the heavy investment, senators found the hospital far from operational. More troubling is the revelation that Ksh12 million is unaccounted for, prompting calls for investigations.
“It is unacceptable that funds can disappear without trace in such critical public health projects,” said Senator Enock Wambua. “The people of Uasin Gishu deserve answers and accountability.”
Special Needs Assessment Centre
Perhaps the most baffling case is the Special Needs Assessment Centre, a Ksh2.5 billion project where the contractor has reportedly already received 65% of the consultancy fee for design and supervision—yet only 13% of the work is complete. The only visible structure at the site is a temporary office, casting doubt on the feasibility and intent behind the entire venture.
Members of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly (MCAs), including Hon. Mary Goreti (Kipsomba Ward) and Hon. Jonathan Ng’etich (Kaptagat Ward), strongly opposed the project from inception, pointing out that it was not captured in the 2018–2022 County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).
“We objected to the project from the beginning, and it was never part of the CIDP,” said Hon. Goreti. “The county executive went ahead regardless and even bought 20 acres of land for it.”
Governor Bii Responds
Under growing pressure, Governor Jonathan Bii defended his administration, blaming budgetary constraints for the stalled projects. He disclosed that the county only has a development budget of Ksh3.5 billion, with Ksh1.8 billion earmarked for ward-level allocations. The net budget available for county-wide development stands at Ksh1.4 billion, which Bii says is insufficient to sustain the legacy projects left by the previous administration.
“With such a limited budget, it’s impossible to complete all these mega projects. I am open to partnerships with the private sector and the national government to see them through,” said Governor Bii. “Once complete, the Ziwa hospital alone could provide jobs for up to 4,600 people, while Kesses hospital could employ 1,500.”
Senators Demand Investigations
Despite Governor Bii’s explanations, the Senate was unimpressed. Senator Kajwang’ repeatedly pressed the governor to initiate investigations through the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG).
“Leadership means taking responsibility,” Kajwang’ declared. “The EACC and OAG must step in, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for the loss of public funds.”
Senator Samson Cherargey, representing Nandi County, added his voice, urging Uasin Gishu’s leadership to stop hiding behind budget excuses and instead ensure accountability and fiscal discipline.
Calls for Reform in Planning and Oversight
The situation has reignited debate on how counties plan and execute large-scale infrastructure projects. Uasin Gishu County Assembly Minority Leader Hon. Francis Muya and Deputy Speaker Sarah Malel called on the Senate to enforce stricter planning measures.
“Counties must only initiate projects that can be completed within a five-year CIDP cycle,” said Hon. Muya. “That’s the only way to ensure value for money and avoid creating white elephants.”
This aligns with a broader push by the Controller of Budget and Commission on Revenue Allocation to enhance fiscal discipline at the county level and ensure that development plans are realistic and deliverable.
National Government Intervention
In light of the crisis, the national government has signaled its intent to step in and help complete several of the projects. President William Ruto’s administration has reportedly pledged to allocate additional funds toward finalizing the 64 Stadium and Ziwa Level 5 Hospital to salvage the billions already invested and ensure the public ultimately benefits.
A 2025 report by The Star confirmed that these projects had collectively consumed over Ksh5 billion, most of it disbursed during the previous county administration. Yet, as they lie idle, the intended social and economic benefits remain unrealized.
The proceedings, which were being streamed live on Facebook, drew significant public attention. A number of viewers castigated the leadership of Governor Jonathan Bii and his administration for failing to provide clear and useful answers to the committee’s pointed questions. Many took to the comments section to express frustration, with some demanding immediate investigations into the questionable use of public funds.
Some of the comments from the live chat included:
-
“The governor is clueless,” wrote Kimutai Chebor, a sentiment echoed by several others.
-
Bargoiyet Kip remarked, “Health is a devolved function. Stop dragging the national government,” and later added, “The governor doesn’t know. Period.”
-
David Sand observed, “To be sincere, H.E. the Governor doesn’t know his responsibility.”
-
Lichuma Chrisandus Ombayia weighed in saying, “The governor ako clueless.”
-
Another sharp jab from Kimutai Chebor read, “The problem is the school he went to – Sigalagala.”
The real-time public commentary captured the growing discontent among residents who feel neglected and misled, especially given the billions spent on incomplete or idle infrastructure.
These reactions, coupled with the Senate’s grilling, highlights the urgent demand for accountability and reform in Uasin Gishu’s governance. The PAC emphasized that public pressure and legislative scrutiny would not relent until comprehensive investigations are conducted and tangible actions are taken.
About Author
