Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has suspended projects to improve 11 towns and small urban centres in the county which were initiated by former Governor Ndiritu Muriithi under the Smart Town’s initiative in Laikipia county.

Also suspended is the multi-million shilling equipment and vehicle leasing programme which was a first among the counties.

The suspensions could see the county lose millions of shillings in idle time and unfinished works claimed by 11 contractors working on the projects.

Already, the devolved unit is in a standoff with contractors working on the 11 projects which were to be funded through an infrastructure bond issue.

In several correspondences seen by People Daily, the county government has made it clear that it has no money for the projects and accuses the contractors of failing to establish if it had funds to pay them before embarking on the projects.