Senate Demands Quick Completion of Stalled Projects in Bomet County
Bomet County Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok has come under scrutiny from the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations over the slow progress of multi-million shilling development projects in the county. The committee, led by Vice Chairperson Senator Catherine Mumma, completed an inspection tour on Friday, November 7, 2025, and raised concerns over numerous incomplete projects that have already consumed significant public funds without delivering tangible benefits to residents.
The committee singled out projects such as the Chebunyo Milk Processing Plant, initiated in 2018/2019 to enhance market access for local milk producers, which remains unfinished due to a pending equipment bill of KSh 5.52 million. Another stalled initiative, the Aonet Water Project, launched in 2010 at a cost of over KSh 18 million, has faced delays due to late delivery of essential transformers needed to pump water to communities. Senators warned that such delays not only waste public resources but also hinder economic growth and livelihoods in Bomet County.
Bomet Senator Wakili Hillary Sigei, who requested the oversight visit, emphasized the importance of accountability in devolved units, noting that development projects should continue seamlessly across administrations. He highlighted that taxpayers deserve transparency and efficiency in the use of public funds and that prolonged project delays undermine citizens’ trust in county governance.
The Senate committee urged Governor Barchok to expedite completion of all stalled projects, stressing that government initiatives are public assets that should benefit residents irrespective of political changes. The inspection forms part of a broader national effort to ensure effective implementation of county development agendas, safeguard taxpayers’ money, and reinforce service delivery across Kenya’s devolved units.