Nyaribari Masaba parliamentary hopeful Bouse Mairura has challenged Kisii Governor Simba Arati to explain the delay in implementing several county-funded development projects, accusing the county administration of failing to deliver services despite allocating millions of shillings in the budget.
Mairura, the outgoing Masimba Ward MCA and a UDA politician, claimed a number of projects approved through the Kisii County Assembly budgeting process remain stalled, denying residents the benefits of public investment.
He said he had successfully lobbied for the projects during the budget-making process but expressed disappointment that many are yet to be implemented despite receiving funding.
Among the projects he cited are the construction of ECDE centres at Ramasha, Riabigutu, Mosisa and Rioira, as well as the renovation of Riamichoki and Motonyoni ECDE centres.
“It is deeply disappointing that these projects have stalled, denying our children the modern learning environment they deserve,” Mairura said in a statement.
The former MCA also questioned the status of the Riamichoki Borehole Project, saying funds had already been allocated and the contractor handed over the site, yet construction has not commenced.
He further claimed to have received reports alleging that the contractor was asked to pay a 30 per cent kickback before work could begin, allegations he said should be investigated by the relevant authorities.
Mairura raised similar concerns over the construction of boda boda sheds budgeted for in the 2023/2024 financial year. He said building materials had already been delivered before the project stalled.
According to him, he had also received allegations that the contractor handling the sheds project was similarly asked to pay a 30 per cent kickback, preventing implementation.
He called on Governor Arati’s administration to explain why projects that had been approved and funded had not been completed, urging the county government to ensure residents benefit from the planned developments.
“Our children deserve better schools, our families deserve clean water, and our boda boda riders deserve the facilities that were promised,” Mairura said.
The outspoken politician pledged to continue pushing for accountability until all projects funded through the county budget are completed.
The allegations regarding the alleged kickbacks have not been independently verified, and no evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate the claims.
Governor Simba Arati and the Kisii County Government had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
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