Uasin Gishu County Faces Scrutiny Over Shoe Shine Shed Construction Irregularities Amounting to Over 350 Million
It’s noteworthy that some of the constructed lockups are situated along Oloo Street adjacent to the central police station, along the Eldoret-Iten road near the county library, and along Malaba Road opposite Zion Mall.
Spotlight on the shoe shine lockups lining the Eldoret-Iten road. The OAG financial statements for the fiscal year 2024-2025 unveil construction and civil works amounting to Kshs. 350,683,225, with a notable allocation of Kshs. 12,224,920 earmarked as partial payment for three contracts
The Auditor General has raised concerns regarding irregularities in the construction of shoe shine sheds by the Uasin Gishu County government.
According to the financial statements for the year 2024-2025, construction and civil works amounting to Kshs. 350,683,225 were reported, with Kshs. 12,224,920 allocated as part payment towards three contracts for the construction of shoe shine sheds in different areas of Eldoret town, totaling Kshs. 12,581,500.
Several anomalies were identified, including the failure to complete substructure works despite budget allocations, as well as a lack of documentation confirming compliance with safety requirements mandated by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Furthermore, the retention money from contractors was not deposited into the appropriate account, leading to concerns over compliance with legal obligations and the prudent expenditure of public funds.
In his address to the county assembly, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago called upon the finance committee to investigate the matter further, highlighting the absence of approval from relevant agencies for the construction. He emphasized the evident lack of planning, citing the non-utilization of the constructed lockups within the central business district for over a year.
Expressing disappointment, several shoe shiners voiced concerns over the unfulfilled promises of working spaces, remaining unaware of the circumstances surrounding the closure of the lockups despite their swift construction and substantial financial investment.
In response to these queries, the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Development of Uasin Gishu County, Janeth Kosgei, has assured of a forthcoming response and commitment to address the raised concerns.
It’s noteworthy that some of the constructed lockups are situated along Oloo Street adjacent to the central police station, along the Eldoret-Iten road near the county library, and along Malaba Road opposite Zion Mall.
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