Deputy President Dr William Ruto is known for criss-crossing the country launching various development projects with some Kenyans speculating that it is a strategy of earning himself a political mileage ahead of 2022 presidential race.
The DP has launched various projects in Western Kenya region and other parts of the country. But are all of these projects normally ready before he launches them?
Well, the DP is in a spot for prematurely launching a Sh5.3 billion irrigation project without the knowledge of line ministries.
According to the Standard, Ruto launched the Lower Nzoia irrigation and flood mitigation project on June 7 when it was not ready for commissioning due to pending compensation for land owners.
Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu on Tuesday told the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee there was no formal communication that Ruto was to launch the project.
Mr Irungu said they were still addressing compensation delays for affected families in Busia and Siaya Counties.
The Opiyo Wandayi-led team also heard that the National Land Commission (NLC) and National Irrigation Board (NIB) were not involved in the launch.
NIB is the implementing agency while NLC is involved in land acquisition for the project that is meant to end perennial flooding as well as help to increase food production.
“There was no contact between the DP’s office and my office. Even my project engineer was not there. Compensation is a very sensitive matter, which we must handle well,” said Irungu.
However, Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui was present for the launch.
