Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has confronted a contractor over delays in the implementation of an irrigation project, questioning claims that a 400-meter section could be completed within 10 days.

Speaking in a video on his X account on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Mugaa challenged the contractor to explain how the work would be completed within the timelines given, warning against misleading him about the progress of the project and insisting that the available equipment should allow the work to be completed faster.

“Stop lying to me,” Mugaa told the contractors during the confrontation, as he questioned the progress of a specific 400-metre section of the project.

Why are you lying to me?

“I am talking about that section of 400 metres that you said will be done in 10 days. I am saying, how many gangs do we have? Two excavators? That is 100 metres. A section of eight metres is… tell me, that section cannot be done within less than 20 days. Why are you lying to me? Otherwise, you are lying to me,” Mugaa said.

The CS was speaking during an inspection of the project, where he raised concerns over the pace of construction and the remaining time available to complete the works.

Mugaa warns against further delays

Mugaa said the project was currently 51 per cent complete, with only 60 days remaining to finish the works.

He cautioned the contractor against seeking further extensions after the agreed timelines had lapsed, saying the government was focused on ensuring the project was completed within the contractual period.

“My worry, CEO, is that we are at 51 per cent and we have 60 days to finish the job. The engineer was approximating 60 days to substantial completion. It has taken you how many days? You have 90 days, contractor, to finish this job. Please do not come back asking for extensions and running out of time. Let me worry about the financing,” Mugaa said.

The confrontation comes as the government pushes to expand irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural production across the country.

Let me worry about financing

Mugaa further told the contractor to focus on completing the project within the agreed timeline, saying he would handle the financing concerns.

“Let me worry about the financing,” the CS said.

His remarks came as the government continues to roll out irrigation projects aimed at expanding agricultural production and improving food security.

Earlier, Mugaa presided over a public participation forum for the proposed Ushirika-Umoja Irrigation Project in Kilili, Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, which is expected to benefit more than 400 farmers.

The project will include intake works, a sedimentation basin, conveyance pipelines, sub-mains and laterals, as well as the drilling and equipping of Kindani and Kilili boreholes.