Senators put Bomet governor on the spot over multi-million stalled projects
By Kiprono Keileb, November 7, 2025The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has, on Friday, November 7, 2025, called out Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, directing him to ensure the quick completion of stalled development projects across the county.
This comes after the committee concluded an inspection tour of various incomplete projects within Bomet, which they said represent a worrying trend of wastage and poor implementation in county development programmes.
Led by Vice Chairperson Senator Catherine Mumma, the committee expressed concern over millions of shillings already spent on projects that remain unfinished, warning that such negligence denies residents essential services and value for their taxes.
“It is unacceptable for millions of shillings to be spent on development projects only for them to stall. We are here to ensure that public funds are utilised properly and that the people of Bomet get value for their money,” Senator Mumma stated during a press briefing after the visit.
The senators emphasised that development must continue seamlessly across administrations, reminding county bosses that government projects are not personal but public investments that must serve citizens regardless of political changes.
Among the projects inspected was the Chebunyo Milk Processing Plant. “Chebunyo Milk Processing Plant, for instance, was initiated in 2018/2019 to address market access for milk but remains unfinished due to a Kshs5,520,000 pending bill for equipment, ” the statement reads
Another major concern was the Aonet Water Project, initiated in 2010 at a total cost of Ksh18 million. “Aonet Water Project, on the other hand, was started in 2010 with a total project cost of Ksh18,026,537.50, but has stalled due to delays in the delivery of a transformer to pump the water to Bomet residents,” the statement read in part.
The committee said such delays not only waste public resources but also stall economic growth in communities that rely on these projects for livelihoods.
The inspection visit followed a statement sought by Bomet Senator Wakili Sigei, who raised concerns over the slow progress of county projects.
According to the Senate, the oversight visit was part of a broader national effort to strengthen accountability in devolved units and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used effectively to deliver real change on the ground.
“The Committee’s visit, which stems from a statement sought by Bomet Senator Wakili Sigei, serves as a crucial oversight mechanism, holding the county government accountable for the effective implementation of its development agenda,” the statement reads.