West Pokot governor Simon Kachapin is determined to complete all the incomplete development projects inherited from his predecessor Prof John Lonyangapuo.
At the same time, Kachapin has blamed the former governor for allegedly sabotaging mega projects that he had himself started during his tenure as the first West Pokot governor.
Kachapin served for one term before he was defeated by Prof Lonyangapuo in 2017, but was he was re-elected in 2022.
Speaking when he inspected the Sh 300 million ultra-modern county assembly, the governor noted that it was improper for his predecessor to have left office without finishing all the mega projects started at the onset of devolution in 2013.
“It was wrong for the former governor to have started new projects instead of focusing on completing those already started,” he said.
However, on his part, Kachapin pledged to continue with the development projects that his predecessor failed to complete.
“Since God has given me the opportunity to serve as governor once more, I will complete all the projects that I began during my first term in office, but were put on hold by the second governor,” he said.
He stated that before beginning new projects, he wanted to complete all the ongoing ones.
The governor reaffirmed that he would not allow looting of public funds meant for development projects, while issuing a stern warning that those found misappropriating public funds will be held personally liable.
He said that starting new projects before ensuring the completion of stalled projects amounts to waste of public resources.
Consequently, in order to prevent future leaders from inheriting white elephant projects and huge unpaid bills, he advised those in leadership roles to see to it that every project they start is completed in good time.
The governor said construction of the modern county assembly, whose construction commenced in 2014, once fully finalised, will give members of the county assembly a comfortable chamber for performing their duties.
He said the county assembly building will help the county make savings, given that they have been renting offices for their staff.
West Pokot County Assembly Speaker Fredrick Kaptui disclosed that in the next three months, the ultra-modern county assembly project will be complete.
Kaptui disclosed that the ultra-modern county assembly building will have a speaker’s gallery, a public gallery, a press gallery, staff offices, and recreation spaces.
The speaker thanked the governor for supporting the county assembly through the release of funds for the mega project.
By Anthony Melly
