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Hours after threatening to fire a contractor working on the Kisii Cancer Center, President William Ruto vowed to deal with another one doing the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.

Speaking at Mumias Complex, where he attended a football tournament organised by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Ruto vowed to deal with the said contractor, whom he accused of delaying the construction and rehabilitation project.

The Head of State accused the said contractor of being lazy and insolent and thus vowed to deal with him immediately after leaving the football tournament.

“Leo nikitoka hapa, naenda kukabiliana na contractor kwa sababu naskia pia ni contractor mjeuri. Mimi naenda kukabiliana na yeye kwa sababu hatutaki uzembe (Immediately after leaving here, I am going to deal with that contractor because I hear he is rude. I am going to deal with him because we don’t want laziness.)

“Tumempatia pesa, tumeandikisha kandarasi.. ile kazi anafanya ni kama ni kazi ya harusi. Ile kazi ni kazi ya wananchi, na tunataka ifanywe kwa muda unaofa kwa sababu ile kiwanja tunahitaji katika michezo inakuja hapa mbele. (We have given him money and signed the contract, but he is doing the work at a slow pace.) That job is for the citizens, and we want it to be completed within the stipulated timeline because we need the stadium for the upcoming games),” Ruto stated.

“I want to assure you, the Governor of Kakamega and the people, that the government of Kenya is going to work with your county to complete Bukhungu Stadium because we have committed Ksh760 million to make sure that stadium is done,” he added.

Ruto made the promise after Governor Fernandes pleaded with him to intervene over the completion of the stadium located at the heart of Kakamega.

This comes after Ruto announced the government is committed to fulfilling its promises to the people, saying contractors undermining their efforts will not be tolerated.

“There are many contractors who are letting us down, and we will not allow them. This is the year for delivering our agenda as planned,” he said.

The Head of State made the remarks in Kisii, where he inspected the construction of the Kisii Cancer Centre. He expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the project.

Ruto instructed the contractor to implement the project in line with the agreement or face contract termination.

“You have been paid all the money required. There is no reason whatsoever why this project is not progressing.”

Bukhungu Stripped CHAN hosting rights

In January 2024, Bukhungu Stadium was earmarked among the sporting grounds that were set to host the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

However, in September 2024, the then Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that CAF inspectors stripped the stadium as one of the venues for the continental showpiece.

“Initially after Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were awarded rights to host CHAN, the ministry identified Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium, and Nyayo Stadium,” the CS told parliament.

“However, when Caf inspectors visited the above facilities, they recommended Masinde Muliro and Nyayo Stadium as the eligible facilities to host the championships.”

At the moment, Kenya is rushing against time to complete Kasarani Stadium, which is set to host the CHAN matches.

Kenya will co-host the continent’s third-tier competition from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, alongside Uganda and Tanzania in a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Cup of Nations.