MPs Push for Termination and Blacklisting of Contractors Delaying KSh45.5 Billion Water Projects

MPs Push for Termination and Blacklisting of Contractors Delaying KSh45.5 Billion Water Projects

NAIROBI, Kenya — Members of Parliament have called for the immediate termination and blacklisting of contractors accused of delaying the implementation of critical water and sanitation projects worth KSh45.5 billion, warning that continued setbacks are denying millions of Kenyans access to essential services despite substantial public investment.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, June 10, by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation during a meeting with Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir. The session focused on evaluating the progress of projects being implemented under the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, one of the country’s largest infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving access to clean water and modern sanitation facilities.

Lawmakers expressed frustration over repeated delays in project delivery, with some contractors accused of failing to complete works despite securing multiple government contracts.

Committee members argued that poor performance by contractors continues to undermine government efforts to improve public health, boost economic development, and expand access to clean and reliable water supplies in urban centres.

“We cannot continue allocating billions of shillings to projects that remain incomplete while wananchi continue suffering from water shortages and inadequate sanitation services,” members of the committee observed during the meeting.

The programme, jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank, covers 58 towns across the country and comprises 61 major water and sanitation projects valued at approximately KSh45.5 billion.

According to the State Department for Water and Sanitation, the initiative is expected to significantly improve access to safe drinking water while creating approximately 15,000 jobs both during construction and after completion.

The projects are also intended to strengthen climate resilience, improve public health outcomes, and support economic growth by providing communities and businesses with reliable water infrastructure.

Committee Chairperson David Bowen Kangogo emphasized that Parliament would not tolerate delays that continue to deprive citizens of services funded through taxpayers’ money and development financing.

“Kenyans deserve value for money. Delays in these projects are unacceptable, especially when communities are waiting for access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities,” Kangogo stated.

During the meeting, legislators raised concerns about a range of factors affecting implementation, including contractor inefficiency, governance challenges among some water service providers, court cases, land disputes, and rising construction costs.

The committee heard that progress has been made in several areas despite the challenges.

According to data presented by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, 12 projects have already been completed and commissioned, while 26 additional projects have been completed and are awaiting official commissioning.

Meanwhile, 22 projects remain under construction, while one project has stalled due to ongoing litigation.

The figures indicate that while significant progress has been achieved, a substantial portion of the programme remains unfinished, prompting calls for urgent intervention.

Responding to concerns raised by lawmakers, Principal Secretary Julius Korir revealed that the government had already taken action against some underperforming contractors.

“Kenyans do not deserve stories. That is why the Ministry is incorporating new methods to ensure projects are completed and serve Kenyans within the allocated timelines,” Korir told the committee.

He disclosed that contracts in several counties, including Mandera and Meru, had already been terminated after contractors failed to demonstrate the technical and financial capacity required to complete the projects.

Korir further informed MPs that procurement processes are currently underway to identify replacement contractors capable of accelerating implementation and delivering the projects within revised timelines.

Beyond contractor performance, lawmakers also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to address challenges associated with last-mile connectivity.

Several MPs noted that even where major infrastructure projects are completed, many households still struggle to access water due to inadequate distribution networks.

The committee stressed that every shilling invested in water and sanitation infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

As pressure mounts on contractors and implementing agencies, Parliament’s latest intervention signals a tougher approach toward accountability in public infrastructure projects, with lawmakers insisting that delays can no longer be tolerated in programmes considered vital to Kenya’s development agenda.

With billions of shillings at stake and millions of residents awaiting improved services, the government now faces growing pressure to ensure all stalled projects are completed and operational within the shortest time possible.

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MPs Push for Termination and Blacklisting of Contractors Delaying KSh45.5 Billion Water Projects