Joho Threatens to Bar Contractor from Future Government Projects Over Stalled Ksh.151M Construction

Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Ali Joho issued a stern ultimatum to a contractor in charge of constructing a modern fish landing site in Tana River County. During his visit to the county, Joho threatened to fire and blacklist the contractor if the project, which has been marred by delays and inefficiencies, is not completed within the next eight months.

The CS’s remarks followed complaints from local residents regarding stalled work and delayed wages for workers involved in the construction of the facility. Joho’s warning underscores his firm resolve to ensure the success of projects critical to Kenya’s Blue Economy—a sector the government views as key to unlocking economic growth, enhancing food security, and providing employment opportunities in coastal regions.

The Blue Economy: A Pillar of Kenya’s Economic Future

Kenya’s Blue Economy, a term used to describe the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, employment, and the preservation of marine ecosystems, has gained significant attention in recent years. With its strategic coastline along the Indian Ocean, Kenya stands to benefit immensely from properly managed maritime activities such as fishing, shipping, and tourism.

The government’s commitment to this sector was solidified earlier this year when Ksh. 1.4 billion was disbursed to coastal counties for the construction of fish landing sites. These sites are crucial for enhancing aquaculture and value addition, enabling fishermen to access cold storage facilities, and reducing the need to sell their catches at throwaway prices. In addition, the landing sites will be equipped with CCTV cameras, floodlights, and security monitoring rooms to safeguard both the fishers and the maritime resources.

However, the success of such ambitious projects relies heavily on efficient execution, timely completion, and ensuring that local communities benefit from job opportunities generated by the projects. The delays reported in Tana River County present a significant setback to these efforts.

Holding the Contractor Accountable

CS Joho’s intervention in the Tana River project highlights the importance of accountability in the construction of public infrastructure. He emphasized that the government had already disbursed Ksh. 151 million for the project, yet work has stalled, and workers are facing delays in payment. Joho’s frustrations were palpable as he questioned the contractor’s commitment and transparency.

“Where is the contractor?” Joho asked during his address to the residents. “These people have told me you have not hired residents from this county, and they’ve also told me you don’t pay them on time. We agree that you must rectify that immediately.”

Joho went further, instructing his Principal Secretary, Betsy Njagi, to blacklist the contractor if the project is not completed within the stipulated eight-month period. Blacklisting would bar the contractor from being awarded any future government projects, a measure intended to send a clear message to contractors working on public infrastructure.

This hardline stance reflects a broader push within the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy to eliminate complacency and ensure timely delivery of projects critical to the national economy. Joho has made it clear that government officials must be held accountable for lacklustre performance within their respective ministries. “Every county commissioner must take responsibility to ensure they protect these important resources that belong to the people of Kenya,” he added, directing his comments not only at contractors but also at government officials tasked with overseeing such projects.

The Madagascan Incident: A Failure of Communication

In his speech, CS Joho also addressed a separate but equally concerning issue involving the detention of three Kenyan fishermen in Madagascar. The fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing, with the Madagascan Ministry of Fisheries citing that they did not possess the necessary fishing licenses to operate in the country’s waters.

Joho expressed his frustration at the Ministry’s failure to inform him of the incident promptly. “Recently, I was shocked to learn that Kenyans from the coast region were detained in Madagascar. I told these government officials to stop sleeping on the job. They should have informed me earlier instead of having to learn of the incident through the newspapers,” he lamented.

In this instance, Joho was quick to act, arranging for the fishermen’s return to Kenya. However, the incident highlights gaps in communication within the Ministry, which Joho is determined to address. He expressed dissatisfaction with officials who, according to him, sit idly in their air-conditioned offices while issues requiring immediate action remain unresolved.

“I am a Cabinet Secretary, and it’s easy to call another CS from another country, but some people want to make it hard for us. I will not allow it. In this Ministry, work must be done,” Joho asserted. His comments further underscore his determination to instill a sense of urgency and responsibility among Ministry staff.

Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in Public Projects

Joho’s warnings to both contractors and ministry officials align with a broader government effort to improve accountability and transparency in public service delivery. Public projects, particularly those involving substantial financial investments like the fish landing sites, are critical to Kenya’s economic development. When these projects stall or fail, the economic ramifications can be severe, especially for local communities that rely on such infrastructure for their livelihoods.

The delays in the Tana River project also shed light on a common issue in Kenya’s public works sector: contractors who fail to deliver on time or within budget. These delays not only waste public funds but also hinder the government’s broader development agenda. By threatening to blacklist the contractor, Joho is signaling a shift toward a zero-tolerance approach to inefficiencies and corruption in government contracts.

Moreover, the issues surrounding the detention of Kenyan fishermen in Madagascar point to the need for stronger oversight and communication mechanisms within the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy. Joho’s demand for better performance from his officials suggests that he is keen on reforms that will enhance the Ministry’s responsiveness to emerging issues, both domestically and internationally.

The Road Ahead: Delivering on Kenya’s Blue Economy Potential

The successful completion of the Tana River fish landing site is crucial for Kenya’s Blue Economy ambitions. Not only will it provide much-needed infrastructure for the local fishing community, but it will also contribute to the national effort to boost aquaculture, create jobs, and improve food security. The government’s investment in cold storage facilities, CCTV surveillance, and enhanced security at these sites underscores its commitment to modernizing the fishing industry.

However, as Joho’s visit to Tana River County demonstrates, the path to realizing these ambitions is fraught with challenges. Delays in project completion, poor communication, and a lack of accountability threaten to undermine the Blue Economy’s potential. It will take sustained political will, better project oversight, and stringent enforcement of contractual obligations to ensure that the projects deliver the intended benefits.

Ultimately, Joho’s ultimatum serves as a wake-up call to contractors, government officials, and stakeholders in the Blue Economy. With Ksh. 151 million already invested in the Tana River fish landing site, the pressure is on to deliver results—and with Joho at the helm, it’s clear that those who fail to meet expectations will face consequences. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the project, and others like it, can fulfill their promise of transforming Kenya’s coastal economy.