Tag-of-War as Khalwale Claims Bukhungu Stadium Project

By RTN REPORTER

In the course of our oversight responsibilities, Kakamega County, Senator, Bony Khalwale, recently visited Bukhungu Stadium.

Khalwale regratably expressed a disheartening situation of Bukhungu project mired in delays and incomplete phases.

"To the contractor entrusted with this vital project, I implore you to focus wholeheartedly on fulfilling your contractual obligations," Khalwale expressed.

Moreover, he emphasised that the impending expiration of the contract in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations leaves no room for further procrastination. 

As a reminder to Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa, who now oversees this endeavor, Khalwake emphasized the significant financial investment made by the former governor, Wycliffe Oparanya.

"Upon leaving office, he left Ksh.500M in the Bukhungu account earmarked for this project.

However, in an official statement released on April 26, 2024,  the office of the Governor clarified key points surrounding the flagship development initiative. 

The statement addresses Senator Khalwale's unannounced visit to the stadium, highlighting the expectation for courteous communication with the County Administration prior to such engagements.

It is noted that the Senator's visit, accompanied only by his cameraman and office staff, lacked productive dialogue with government officials present on-site.

Of particular concern to the county government are the claims made by Senator Khalwale regarding the project's finances.

The administration has dismissed assertions of a KShs 500 million account handed over by the previous administration as false.

It states that the stadium's construction progresses as per established development plans and public-private partnerships.

Moreover, it emphasizes the current administration's efforts in clearing pending bills inherited from previous phases of the project, amounting to over 200 million.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by cash flow constraints, the statement underscores the County's arrears in equitable share payments for March and April.

The Senator is therefore urged to address the matter through the appropriate channels in the Senate.

Dr. Lawrence Omuhaka, County Secretary and Head of Public Service, emphasizes the government's commitment to transparently sharing updates on the stadium's progress.

Omuhaka, however, has called on the public to make inquiries to dispel any misinformation.

The County Government of Kakamega reaffirms its dedication to the timely completion of the Bukhungu Stadium, fostering regional development and national pride.

For further information and updates on the Bukhungu Stadium project, the public is encouraged to engage directly with the County Government of Kakamega.

Photo: Courtesy