CS Hassan Joho Warns Contractors Over Delays, Promises Blacklisting for Poor Performance

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho issued a stern warning to contractors handling government projects, calling them out for delays and poor performance. Speaking on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony for a modern fish landing site in Kipini, Tana River County, Joho expressed frustration over contractors consistently missing deadlines outlined in their tender agreements.

In a bold move, Joho publicly confronted one contractor whom local residents had accused of delaying the project and failing to employ area youths. The CS summoned the contractor to the stage, demanding an assurance that the project would be completed within the next six months. Joho made it clear that failure to meet the deadline would result in the contractor being blacklisted from future government contracts.

"You have assured us that you will be done with the project in the next 6 months. If you don't do so, the Ministry will blacklist you from handling any other government projects," Joho warned, adding, "After 8 months, we will be back here to open this project, and if it’s not completed, you can consider your contract terminated."

Joho also addressed concerns over employment, chastising the contractor for not paying salaries to the few youths who had been hired. He demanded that all outstanding wages be paid immediately and insisted that more local youths be employed on the project.

The fish landing site in Kipini is expected to be a significant development for the local fishing community, providing modern facilities and boosting the local economy. However, Joho’s tough stance signals the government's impatience with contractors failing to meet their obligations, as he emphasized the need for accountability and timely project delivery.