The CEC for Infrastructure, Transport and Public Works Turkana County, Jeremiah Namuya led a delegation on a visit to the Regional Director of KeNHA Eng. Franklin Kipyator in Eldoret.
In the meeting, Namuya asked KeNHA to streamline their operations in Turkana County through a coordinated approach and joint supervision of projects implemented by KenHA and other Agencies giving similar services like Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra ).
“Through a coordinated approach where Agencies share their work plans, duplication will be eradicated and fair distribution of services will be attained”, said Namuya.
Namuya gave feedback on the tarmack roads maintained by KeNHA especially the Lodwar -Kalokol, Lodwar -Lorugum and asked that the contractors should be supervised closely to deliver quality works within the stipulated timelines.
Namuya also requested KeNHA and KURA if they could concetrate to increase the tarmack coverage within the Municipalities, and leave the earth roads to the county and Kerra; a sentiment that was echoed by the Chief Officer, Rosemary Nchinyei.
Nchinyei said there was need by KeNHA to create linkages for Turkana and other neighbouring Counties of Marakwet through Lokichar, Baringo through Kapedo, Samburu across Suguta Valley and also neighbouring Countries of Ethiopia and Uganda. She said this would boost trade and security within the region.
Nchinyei also asked KenHA to consider the issue of local content for contracts procured and implemented within Turkana County.
“We have capacity in Turkana and local contractors should be given opportunity to fairly compete for bids”, said Nchinyei.
KeNHA Regional Director for North Rift, Eng. Franklin acknowledged the existence of gaps on coordination and has promised to involve the county and other stakeholders on matters information sharing, joint supervision, and public participation.
Kipyator revealed that Turkana constituted 1800KMs of road network translating to over 50% of maintenance in the North Rift region.
He hinted on the desire and plans to relocate the regional office to Lodwar and has asked the County if they can be accommodated.
Among the activities agreed to be carried out jointly between KeNHA and Turkana County are Road Safety Campaigns on the A1 Road, Supervision of projects, and Sharing of work plans.
The KeNHA Regional Director has also offered a training for Contractors on bidding procedures for KeNHA contracts, this he said would increase chances of successful bidding. He cited the PPAD of 2015 and the Regulation of 2020 as being very restricitve in consideration of local content but through training, such huddles can be circumvented.
Eng . Amos Lokalale who is a Superitending Roads Engineer in Turkana County asked KeNHA to share a list of all roads classified under KeNHA.