Speaking at the official opening of Kenya’s first National Marine Hatchery in Shimoni, Joho expressed his dissatisfaction with the delays, stressing that the contractor must make significant progress within the next three months. The CS made it clear that further delays would not be tolerated, noting that the government had already paid millions of shillings for the project and cleared all necessary documentation.
“The agreement was clear, this project should have been ready by next month. I don’t know what magic you will do, but I’m giving you three months to finish it,” Joho said. The project, which aims to boost local fisheries and mariculture practices, is seen as vital not only for the development of Kenya’s marine economy but also for improving the livelihoods of local fishermen and traders who depend on marine resources.
Joho underscored the project’s importance, linking it to President William Ruto’s commitment to creating jobs and supporting local economies. The Blue Economy sector, encompassing various maritime activities, is viewed as a key driver of economic growth in coastal regions. “The President is determined to create job opportunities and empower livelihoods through projects like Namaret. We cannot afford delays in such crucial initiatives,” Joho added.
In a strongly worded statement, Joho warned the contractor against delivering substandard work, stressing that the government would not allow public money to be squandered. He emphasised that there would be serious consequences for contractors who fail to meet the agreed timelines and quality standards.
“We will not entertain nonsense where contractors play around with public money. Every document has been processed, and payments made. Now it’s time to deliver,” Joho declared.
The CS also pointed out that delays not only waste public funds but also damage the government’s reputation and frustrate development plans. He called on the contractor to ensure that the remaining work is completed on schedule.
Joho further warned that contractors who fail to meet expectations would be blacklisted, making them ineligible for future government contracts. “We will make it our business to ensure that if contractors misbehave, they never do any business with this government again,” he asserted.
The government’s strict stance on contractor performance is part of its broader effort to improve service delivery and ensure that public resources are used effectively.
To keep the project on track, Joho mentioned that the Kwale County government, under the leadership of Governor Fatuma Achani, would work closely with the contractor to ensure timely completion. Both the CS and the governor emphasised the need for collaboration and transparency throughout the remaining phases of the project.
Governor Achani echoed Joho’s sentiments, urging the contractor to work tirelessly to meet the new deadline. “The people of Kwale are banking on this project to transform their lives. The contractor should not play with the dreams of our people,” she said.
Once completed, the Namaret project is expected to serve as a key hub for research, training, and capacity building in mariculture practices. It will enhance marine resource management, improve fish landing infrastructure, and open new economic opportunities for coastal communities, especially through sustainable aquaculture and marine resource exploitation.
The National Marine Hatchery, launched as part of the project, will play a vital role in supporting aquaculture by producing marine organisms for farmers, ensuring a sustainable supply of stock for the growing industry.
The Namaret project represents a flagship initiative under Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda, and its successful completion could be a game-changer for the country’s coastal economy. However, with tensions rising over the slow pace of construction, all eyes are now on the contractor to meet the ambitious deadline set by the Cabinet Secretary.
As the project continues to take shape, it remains to be seen whether the contractor can overcome the challenges ahead and deliver on the government’s promise to the people of Kwale and Kenya as a whole.
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