President William Ruto on Sunday, June 15, shocked many Kenyans when he boldly fired a road contractor during a church service in Kivaywa.
The president made it clear that his government is running out of patience with contractors who fail to deliver on infrastructure projects, especially those delaying key roadworks.
While addressing the congregation, Ruto singled out a road project in Butere, Kakamega County, where he revealed that he had dismissed the contractor for taking too long to complete the job. He said the project had stalled for far too long, and the contractor showed no signs of progress or urgency.
“There is a road that has really become a problem, but I will look for a new contractor. I have told the current one to go find another job,” Ruto stated. “I have told him to leave this job and go burn charcoal. We need someone serious who can get the work done.”
The president’s tough stance drew loud applause from the crowd. He assured them that his government would now work with more committed and capable contractors, particularly in the Western region, to ensure projects are completed on time.
Ruto emphasized that the delay in road construction is hurting the local economy and affecting transportation.
He said, “We have already paid contractors for the remaining stalled roads. They should now complete the work quickly because improving roads will boost transport and help grow Kakamega’s economy.”
The president also announced that six new road projects are set to begin in Kakamega. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure development across the region.
On the issue of rural electrification, Ruto admitted that there have been delays in connecting power to homes in the region.
However, he said the government has taken strong steps to speed up the process. He revealed that Ksh3 billion has been allocated to the rural electrification program, which aims to connect 85,000 households in Western Kenya.
“I know we are behind on electricity connections. That’s why I have taken action. From June 15, the work will start. I have instructed that by December, at least 35,000 houses must be connected so we can move to the next phase next year,” Ruto explained.
Beyond Kakamega, the president disclosed that he had sent Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to China to represent him in high-level discussions. The talks are aimed at attracting trade and infrastructure investments for Kenya.
Mudavadi’s mission in China also includes lobbying for funding for the ambitious Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Bungoma–Malaba highway.
President Ruto pointed out that because of limited financial resources, this major highway will likely be constructed in phases rather than as one large project.
Construction of the highway is expected to begin in August. Meanwhile, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is planning to invest billions of Kenyan workers’ savings into building the Nairobi–Rironi–Mau Summit Highway. This will happen if a joint bid between NSSF and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) succeeds.
President Ruto’s public dismissal of the contractor mirrors a similar incident involving Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. On Madaraka Day, June 1, Governor Kihika made headlines when she fired her speechwriter for a mistake in her official speech.
While delivering her remarks, Kihika accidentally called the Wanyororo Vocational Training Centre in Kabatini ‘Wamunyoro’—a misstep that amused the audience because it sounded like “Wamunyoro,” which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s rural home.
The mix-up caused laughter and highlighted the seriousness with which some leaders are now holding their staff accountable.
Ruto’s firm decision in Kakamega sends a strong message that his administration will no longer tolerate poor performance and delays, especially in projects meant to benefit ordinary Kenyans.
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