‘That Is Not Acceptable!’ – Ruto Blasts Bukhungu Stadium Contractor Over Delays
President William Ruto has chastised the contractor who has delayed the completion of Bukhungu Stadium.
During an unexpected visit to the Kakamega County stadium on Wednesday, Ruto expressed his dissatisfaction with the project’s poor pace, saying it was unacceptable that it was still in its early phases.
Ruto, curious as to why the project had halted, instructed the contractor to be honest if he was unable to complete the work so that the government may consider employing another contractor.
“You cannot hold us ransom. You are a notorious contractor for abandoning projects. You start work here, do a little, then move on to another site, do a little there. That is not acceptable,” Ruto said.
The contractor defended himself, claiming that he was committed to completing the project and was already on-site.
The pace at which the Bukhungu Stadium is being renovated is unacceptable. The facility’s facelift must be completed by mid-2026.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 1, 2025
The ministries of sports and public works are under instructions to review the progress made so far and ensure the project is completed on time.… pic.twitter.com/NV0vgG0nZs
“‘I’m not holding anyone ransom, I’m sorry, I promise you I will be dedicated,” the contractor said.
In response, the president said, “You cannot be on-site as a tourist. We need to see progress.”
“I’m sorry, I will put effort,” the contractor said.
Ruto underlined that a project that was supposed to take months had instead lasted years.
He expressed sadness that the stadium would not be completed in time for the CHAN games.
The president directed the contractor to ensure that the stadium is completed by June 2026.
“This stadium must be finished by June 2026. The people of Kakamega must be able to use it by next year, June,” he concluded.
President William Ruto takes on a contractor for delayed works during an impromptu visit of Bukhungu Stadium in Western Kenya. He has ordered the contractor to complete the stadium by June next year 2026 without fail. pic.twitter.com/E9ofXxDlPg
— Delta Television Kenya (@DeltaTVKenya) January 1, 2025
This comes just after the president directed the Ministry of Health to issue a final warning to the contractor building the Kisii Cancer Centre due to delays in the project.
Ruto, who was on an inspection tour of the project on Wednesday, requested that Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai issue the warning.
“Give very firm instructions to this contractor. This is unacceptable. You will get a final warning,” the President said.
Kimtai, who joined the President on the tour, said he had booked a meeting with the contractor for Friday.
“You come yourself here for that meeting on January third,” Ruto instructed.
“I was here three months ago and we agreed on what needs to be done but it’s not happening.”
Ruto stated that if the contractor fails to make modifications, the contract will be terminated.
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“If you do not pull up your socks, I am sorry we will have to terminate your contract and get another contractor so that we can get this cancer centre off the ground,” he said.
“It’s just as simple as that, there is no fight, no quarrel, you just have to do what you have to do.”
On his social media pages, the President issued a warning on contractors delaying implementation of key projects.
“We have laid a strong foundation to accelerate the fulfillment of our promise to the people. Contractors delaying the implementation of key programmes will not be tolerated,” he said.
‘That Is Not Acceptable!’ – Ruto Blasts Bukhungu Stadium Contractor Over Delays
