Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has backed the ongoing public scrutiny of government projects across the country.

In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Senator Omtatah emphasized the crucial role of public oversight in ensuring the government is held accountable for its actions and decisions.

“As an essential pillar of democracy, public scrutiny plays a vital role in holding the government accountable for its actions and decisions,” he remarked.

The senator emphasized that the ongoing examination of government projects and policies is intended to enhance transparency and ensure accountability in the processes of policy-making, implementation, and the use of public funds.

“The ongoing public scrutiny of government projects & policies is a push to ensure transparency and accountability in policy-making, implementation, and the use of public funds. It is through the diligent efforts of an enlightened public that we can uphold the principles of good governance, foster trust in our institutions and tackle systemic corruption,” he noted.

He praised the efforts of activists and the public in scrutinizing these projects, noting that their diligence is key to upholding good governance and fostering trust in institutions.

“It is through the diligent efforts of an enlightened public that we can uphold the principles of good governance, foster trust in our institutions and tackle systemic corruption,” Omtatah affirmed.

Adding;

“Someone tell WSR to also take back the Kamariny Stadium contractor to complete the project.”

He called on all stakeholders to join hands in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance for the betterment of Kenya.

Gov’t projects

Senator Omtatah’s statements follow heightened scrutiny of government projects, notably championed by lawyer Morara Kebaso, who has been actively monitoring and reporting on the progress of development projects launched by President William Ruto’s administration.

Kebaso recently forced Statehouse Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed to come out and clarify claims surrounding a recently launched road in Kisii County.

According to Kebaso, President William Ruto had rerun the ribbon-cutting on a Kisii County road project that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta already inaugurated way back in 2016.

Mohamed set the record straight debunking the claims made by the blogger. He explained that the road project, a 64.6-kilometre stretch winding through Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies, did indeed kick off in 2016. But, according to Mohamed, the project hit the brakes when the original contractor underperformed in May 2023.

“Ndugu, stop misleading Kenyans! The road crisscrosses Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies in Kisii County and is 64.6 km. The project was initially awarded on 11th May 2016, and works commenced on 5th August 2016, after its launch by President Uhuru Kenyatta. But the contract was mutually terminated on 16th May 2023, due to the contractor’s non-performance. At the time of termination, the contractor had completed 27km, with 77 months having lapsed out of the 30-month contract period,” Mohamed clarified.

He further noted that the project was tossed back into the tendering ring and re-awarded in March 2024, with construction work revving up again by June. Mohamed confirmed that President Ruto did recently roll up his sleeves and relaunch the project. Mohamed pointed out this was more about keeping promises than cutting the same ribbon twice.