Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and Matayos Mp Geoffrey Odanga have censored the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) for contributing to delayed dualization of the Busia Customs -Korinda road.
Addressing a delegation from the Ministry of East African Community and Trademark East Africa and later during the stakeholders forum at Hotel Breeze, the Governor said although Trademark East Africa (TMEA) was good partner, it was being given a bad image by some government agencies.
“The then British High Commissioner to Kenya, Christian Turner donated to the County Government of Busia Sh200m for dualization of the road in 2015. The amount was enhanced to Sh300m, but due to bureaucracies at the National Government, tendering for the same has become elusive,” he said.
“KeNHA is doing us a lot of disservice, money is lying idle for over five years and some people are trying to play games at the national level,” he said.
He added, “They are putting my government on a collision course with County residents who believe my government has failed to carpet the road which is not within our jurisdiction,”.
The Governor said since the onset of devolution, the County Government has made many strides in attracting investors.
“Busia Sugar Industry is the most modern Sugar factory in East and Central Africa with Olepito Sugar factory also developing; the two factories will spur the economy of the county and the country at large,” he said.
Kenya Medical Training Centre Busia Campus is a case of another good infrastructure with the population currently standing at 600, noting that the role of the government is basically to provide services while the private sector provides job opportunities.
Matayos MP, Geoffrey Odanga said he will table a motion in parliament on why KeNHA wants a whooping one third of the money meant for dualization of the road as supervision fees.
“A part from tabling the motion in parliament, I will also pursue the matter with relevant authorities to have it sorted out with the urgency it deserves,” the MP said, noting that KeNHA should not hold county residents at ransom.
