Senators demand action in Sh24m stalled water project scandal

Several Busia County government officials may soon face legal action over alleged corruption and mismanagement in the stalled Sh24 million Changara Dam project.

This follows outrage from the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, led by its Vice Chairperson Karen Nyamu, during a recent visit to the site.

She was accompanied by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, and Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola.

Senator Nyamu condemned the misuse of public resources in the stalled dam project, saying that it was unacceptable for resources to be squandered while communities suffer without water.

“We cannot allow public money to disappear like this. The people of Changara deserve answers. We need to know where the Sh24 million went, and those involved must face charges, even if it is a chief officer from 2017,” she said.

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The committee urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the project and prosecute all individuals found culpable.

Senator Murango described the stalled Changara Dam as a clear case of public funds embezzlement, blaming rogue county officials and the contractor for derailing development.

“This is a classic example of how unscrupulous public officers and contractors frustrate progress by mismanaging funds,” he said.

The senators demanded accountability and urged  Busia County to involve residents in the project’s resumption.

“Residents of Changara must be fully involved in this work, including being given employment opportunities,” added Senator Ogola.

She emphasised the need to prioritize the community’s input and employment. The Committee pledged to keep monitoring the project and push for accountability to ensure no further wastage of public resources occurs. Mercy Imoo, the acting Director of Livestock Services in Busia County, who led the county team during the visit, struggled to defend the county’s role in the stalled project.

She admitted there had been delays and inefficiencies but assured the committee and residents that the dam would be completed within two months.