Joho criticizes contractor over delays

By Robert Mutasi 

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho has issued a warning to contractors working on government projects, threatening to cancel their contracts due to delays, specifically highlighting one contractor responsible for slowing down a county project under his ministry.

In a press briefing, Joho expressed frustration over the slow progress of a government-funded project in a coastal county, despite Ksh.151 million already being allocated for its development.

He further accused the contractor of missing deadlines and ignoring the local community by failing to employ local residents and delaying payments to workers already on-site.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho criticized the contractor, asking, “The government has released Ksh.151 million for this project. Where is the contractor? People here tell me you haven’t employed local residents.”

He also pointed out, “I’ve been informed that payments are delayed. This must be resolved immediately. The project needs to be completed within eight months, or the contractor will be blacklisted from future government work.”

Joho stressed the importance of proper use of public funds, urging local authorities, including County Commissioners, to ensure the project moves forward.

He added that while the Ministry has provided the necessary funds, it is now up to the contractor to complete the job.

Joho emphasized, “The funds have been provided, but residents complain the work is stalled. The contractor is causing delays. County Commissioners must ensure these resources, which belong to Kenyans, are protected.”

In another issue, Joho expressed displeasure over the recent detention of Kenyan citizens in Madagascar, noting that although he could assist, he was not informed until the matter surfaced in the media.

Regarding the detention of Kenyan citizens in Madagascar, Joho remarked, “I was shocked to learn about this through the media. I told the officials responsible to stop being complacent. They should have informed me earlier. I have now arranged their return.”

He ended by issuing a strong warning to ministry officials neglecting their responsibilities, stating that inefficiency would not be tolerated, as public service requires dedication to the people.

He concluded by warning, “We expect results. Work will get done in this Ministry.”