Uasin Gishu County is under intense scrutiny following revelations that millions of shillings have been lost in stalled development projects, sparking outrage among residents and calls for accountability. The issue came to the spotlight on January 22, 2025, when the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee conducted an inspection tour of key projects in the region, including the high-profile Moi Soy Maize Milling Plant.
The plant, launched in 2019 with a projected cost of Ksh 285 million, was envisioned to support maize farmers by offering affordable milling services and stabilizing grain prices. However, as of early 2025, the facility remains incomplete and non-operational. According to Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who led the Senate delegation, the project has already consumed over Ksh 200 million without achieving its intended objectives.
This case is not isolated. The county is grappling with several similar instances in project mismanagement. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium rehabilitation, launched in 2017 with a budget of Ksh 325 million, also stalled for years due to delayed payments and contractual issues. While work resumed in late 2024, progress remains sluggish.
In addition, a Ksh 2.1 billion road project initiated in 2018 was abandoned midway by the contractor after receiving an advance of Ksh 188 million. The Auditor General’s 2019-2020 report further revealed that nine out of 54 major development projects, valued at over Ksh 370 million, had stalled with no clear explanation or recovery plans.
During President William Ruto’s visit to Eldoret in January 2025, Governor Jonathan Bii requested national government intervention to complete five mega projects. The national government pledged support, but residents are demanding greater transparency and accountability.
As investigations unfold, the spotlight remains fixed on county officials and contractors, with growing calls for audits, legal action, and firm timelines for project completion to restore public trust.
