MCAs turn heat on Arati over stalled projects, poor roads
MCAs turn heat on Arati over stalled projects, poor roads
A section of Kisii MCAs has intensified pressure on Governor Simba Arati over stalled development projects, poor roads and alleged delays in implementing programmes for which funds have already been approved.
The ward representatives protested on Saturday, accusing the county administration of failing to prioritise service delivery and leaving residents to grapple with deteriorating infrastructure and incomplete projects.
Masimba MCA Bouse Mairura said residents in his ward were bearing the brunt of stalled projects, impassable roads and what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing basic development needs.
Mairura singled out road maintenance, saying the County Assembly had approved Sh4 million for fuel and Sh1 million for gravel and murram in the 2025/26 financial year to facilitate the maintenance of roads across Masimba Ward.
However, he said residents were now being informed that county tractors could not operate because there was no fuel.
“We are now told there’s no fuel for the county tractors. Instead of doing the needful, the Governor has been playing political gimmicks while our people continue suffering,” Mairura said.
The MCA warned that the situation could worsen with heavy rains expected in the region, potentially rendering already poor roads impassable and disrupting the movement of people and goods.
Mairura also raised concerns over several stalled Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) projects in Ramasha, Metembe, Riabigutu, Mosisa, Rioira, Motonyoni and Riamichoki.
He demanded explanations over the delays, questioning why projects intended to improve access to education and other essential services had remained incomplete.
The MCA also sought an update on the Riamichoki borehole and boda boda sheds, saying residents were waiting for the projects to be completed.
At Masimba Level 4 Hospital, Mairura said a Sh10 million project had stalled after the contractor allegedly withdrew from the site.
“Talk of Masimba Level 4 Hospital—Sh10 million—the contractor has withdrawn from the site,” he said.
Mairura questioned why projects covering essential sectors such as health, water, education and roads were taking so long to complete despite funds having been allocated.
“These are basic issues affecting our people every single day. Where is the urgency? Where is the leadership? Where is the value for the money we approved?” he asked.
He accused the county administration of concentrating on political activities while development projects remained unfinished, saying residents were increasingly demanding accountability for the use of public resources.
“Masimba Ward is watching. Kisii County is watching. We will continue asking questions, demanding accountability and exposing every failure to deliver what belongs to our people,” he said.
The MCA maintained that residents should not be forced to choose between political rhetoric and tangible development, urging the county government to prioritise service delivery.
“Our people deserve development, not political gimmicks,” Mairura said.
The criticism comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, with local leaders increasingly using development records and service delivery as a key measure of performance and a platform for mobilising voter support.
The county administration had not, at the time of publication, responded to the specific allegations raised by the MCA.