The road project, initially launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016, was recently relaunched by President Ruto, sparking controversy and questions about the progress of infrastructure projects in the region.
Morara Kebaso, a prominent figure on social media, has gained attention for his scrutiny of government projects launched by President Ruto.
Through his online platforms, Kebaso has shared videos and detailed observations of various infrastructure initiatives, questioning whether these projects have brought real development to the communities they were meant to serve.
Kebaso’s latest target was the Metembe-Marani-Kegogi-Nyaore road project in Kisii. He expressed frustration over what he viewed as a relaunch of an old project rather than the introduction of new development.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Kebaso highlighted that the road project was originally launched in 2016 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and questioned the tangible development brought to the region by President Ruto’s administration.
"Abagusii leaders were busy simping and praising Ruto like a Lord. This is Metembe-Marani-Kegogi-Nyaore Road. Launched in 2016 by Uhuru, launched again juzi when Ruto came to Kisii.
Those leaders should stop playing with our minds. Which development did the president bring to Kisii? Tell us," Kebaso wrote.
Kebaso’s post quickly gained traction online, with many Kenyans echoing his concerns. He has been known for pointing out stalled projects across the country, including roads and other infrastructure, prompting debates on whether the government is delivering on its promises.
In response to Kebaso’s criticism, Hussein Mohamed, who serves as the spokesperson for the Executive Office of the President, took to social media to clarify the situation.
Mohamed acknowledged that the Metembe-Marani-Kegogi-Nyaore road project was indeed launched by President Kenyatta in 2016. However, he explained that the project had faced significant setbacks, leading to the termination of the original contractor’s contract.
According to Mohamed, the project was first awarded on May 11, 2016, and construction began on August 5, 2016. Despite the initial momentum, the contractor failed to complete the work, with only 27 kilometers of the 64.6-kilometer road finished by May 2023.
After 77 months of delays and lack of progress, the contract was terminated in May 2023. The project was then re-tendered and re-awarded in March 2024, with work resuming in June 2024.
Mohamed defended the decision to relaunch the project, stating that President Ruto was committed to completing stalled projects as part of his 2022 election manifesto.
He emphasized that relaunching the road project was a demonstration of Ruto's dedication to ensuring that all regions of Kenya benefit from infrastructure development.
“The project was initially awarded on May 11, 2016, and works commenced on August 5, 2016, after its launch by President Uhuru Kenyatta. But the contract was mutually terminated on May 16, 2023, due to the contractor's non-performance.
At the time of termination, the contractor had completed 27 km, with 77 months having lapsed out of the 30-month contract period,” Mohamed explained.
“The project was re-tendered and re-awarded in March 2024, with works starting in June 2024, and President Ruto officially relaunched the project to fulfill his promise of completing stalled roads.”
Mohamed’s response, however, did not quell the concerns of many Kenyans. Instead, it fueled further debate on social media, with users expressing mixed opinions about the government’s approach to development.
Some social media users sided with Kebaso, arguing that the government should provide more transparency regarding the progress of infrastructure projects.
One user, @kwame_kenya, challenged Mohamed to share photos of ongoing work at all the projects Kebaso had visited, urging for proof that the government was indeed making progress.
0 Comments