The government has warned contractors undertaking development projects in Kenya’s North Eastern region that their contracts could be terminated if they continue to delay the implementation of key projects.
Principal Secretary for the State Department for Affordable Housing and Urban Development, Pius Mugambi Murugu, issued the warning during an inspection tour of government projects in Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties.
Murugu expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation, noting that some contractors had made little progress despite being awarded government tenders.
“Some contractors have been sluggish in implementing their projects, with the progress of some works still below four per cent. We cannot allow such delays to continue. Any contractor who fails to deliver on time risks having their contract terminated and reassigned to another contractor capable of completing the work,” Murugu said.
The Principal Secretary said the government is making significant investments in affordable housing, education, markets, infrastructure and public services as part of its broader plan to accelerate socio-economic development in the North Eastern region.
He revealed that projects worth approximately KSh10.9 billion are currently under implementation across Wajir, Mandera and Garissa counties. The developments include 2,309 affordable housing units, 4,880 student hostel beds, 2,400 market stalls and 225 police housing units.
According to Murugu, the ongoing investments are already creating employment opportunities, improving access to essential public services and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.
He further disclosed that the government has planned an additional KSh27.6 billion worth of projects, which are currently at various stages of planning, evaluation, procurement and tendering.
The proposed developments include 7,898 affordable housing units, 6,260 student hostel beds, 5,800 market stalls, 3,300 police housing units, as well as classrooms and other social infrastructure.
Combined, the ongoing and planned projects represent a development portfolio valued at approximately KSh38.5 billion across the three counties.
Murugu also announced that the government will hold monthly review meetings to monitor project implementation and ensure contractors meet agreed timelines.
“From now on, we will conduct monthly progress review meetings. Any contractor who fails to meet performance expectations without a valid reason will face action, including termination of their contract,” he said.
Garissa County Commissioner John Cheriot assured residents that the government would closely monitor all ongoing projects to ensure they are completed on schedule and meet the required standards.
“We are committed to ensuring every government project is completed successfully. Contractors must cooperate with government agencies and participate in all monitoring meetings so that these projects are delivered on time,” Cheriot said.
Meanwhile, Mugdi Market Committee member Muhamud Hassan Ibrahim expressed disappointment over delays in the construction of the Garissa Modern Market.
He said a contractor was awarded the project and received funds in September 2025, following President William Ruto’s pledge to construct the market. However, despite nine months having elapsed, construction has yet to commence.
According to Ibrahim, the modern market was expected to be completed within 18 months, but no visible progress has been made since the contractor took over the project.
The government has reiterated that it will intensify oversight of all development projects to ensure timely completion and value for public investment.
