Storm over leasing of county dredging machine to tea firm

A row has erupted over leasing of the Uasin Gishu county dredging machine to a private tea firm in Kericho County.

A section of Uasin Gishu county residents have demanded answers about the decision to lease the machine at a cost of Sh2.8 million. The tea company is using the machine for dam desilting.

Cosmas Seronei, an official at the Uasin Gishu Senate Liaison Office, wondered how the machine, procured to serve the people of Uasin Gishu, ended up being leased for use outside the county.

Seronei noted that Uasin Gishu county has more than 300 dams.

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“However, the dredging machine had barely been used for ten days before it was leased for use on a private firm’s dam in Kericho County. This is unacceptable, as the machine was solely intended to serve the dams within Uasin Gishu County,” he said.

He revealed that upon receiving reports of the machine’s deployment outside the county, his office launched a private investigation.

Seronei claimed that the equipment had been in Kericho since December 2024.

He challenged Uasin Gishu county government to provide documentation of the transaction, including proof of payment and ETR receipts from the private contractor who hired the machine.

“Even then, we still question why the machine was leased when our residents have not fully benefitted from the services it was procured to offer,” said Seronei.

Job Elija Oyagi, the director of Outline Civil and Works Limited, confirmed that he applied to hire the dredging machine, Watermaster, on December 11, 2024.

In a letter seen by the press and addressed to the Department of Environment, his company stated its intention to use the machine for 60 to 80 hours (approximately 2-3 days).

“Understanding the finance regulations, we shall comply with county rules and regulations,” read part of Oyagi’s letter.

A cost estimate signed by the Uasin Gishu Water Department’s Chief Officer on December 17, 2024, indicated a total fee of Sh2.8 million for excavation, construction, and other related works.

Another costing document signed by Charles Tonui, a water engineer for dams, stated that the dry rates for machinery and vehicle listings were outlined in the County Act and were non-negotiable.

The contractor was also required to cater for the machine operator’s daily allowance of Sh6,300, comprising Sh5,000 for daily wages and Sh1,300 for food and accommodation.

“Ensure the timely payment of allowances to motivate operators and all those involved in the direct and related works,” said Tonui.

He further stated that the contractor was expected to handle normal or minor servicing of the machinery during the project.