Senators demand urgent action on 11-Year Turkana HQ delay

The Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee has demanded that Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai occupy the delayed county headquarters within 30 days, after an 11-year wait and more than Sh740 million spent on the project.

The committee, led by Wajir Senator Mohamed Abass Sheikh, said the project must not delay any further and ordered that only Sh24 million within legal variation limits can be paid to the contractor.

“Governor, the contractor has indicated readiness to hand over. You must occupy the premises within the next 30 days,” the committee declared.

During the meeting held on Monday, senators accused the county of poor planning and lack of urgency in completing the project.

“This project began in 2014. You may not have been in office then, but your government exists in perpetuity.These excuses sound very flimsy," Vice chair Catherine Mumma told the governor.

Senators Richard Onyonka, Mohammed Chute and Margaret Kamar pressed the governor to explain the long delay and confirm the outstanding payments. “We’ve been here too long. If the project is complete, then what’s stopping you from handing it over?” Onyonka asked.

Lomorukai said the project was more than 90% complete and listed remaining works such as electricity, carpet installation, and minor finishes.

He blamed early devolution challenges and said the project was self-funded. “We didn’t receive the Sh500 million that other counties got from the national government for their headquarters. Turkana funded this entirely on its own,” he said.

He added that Sh740,724,014.28 had already been paid, and only Sh24 million remained payable under procurement law.

“The building is more than 90% complete. What remains is electricity connection, carpet installation in two offices, and a few other final touches,” he said.

Landmark Holdings Limited, the main contractor, blamed the delays on late payments and unfinished work by subcontractors.

“We completed the structural work by 2019, and by 2022 we had finished almost everything,” the representative said.

“But the subcontractors appointed by the client delayed their work. The building still lacks electricity and water. That’s not our responsibility.”

The contractor said they were prepared to hand over immediately but needed unresolved claims addressed. “We’ve submitted all the necessary claims, but there’s no consultant in place to finalize them. That has stalled everything,” they said.

Senator Margaret Kamar questioned the missing tests on plumbing and electricity. “How do you expect us to accept this handover when basic systems haven’t been tested?” she asked.

Mumma reminded the contractor that payment beyond the 25% variation limit is not allowed.

Senator Chute said the project delay was unacceptable. “We cannot keep going in circles. The people of Turkana deserve better. This is about accountability.”

The committee warned of further Senate action if the county fails to act, and said the building must be fully used within 30 days, with no extra payments beyond the legal amount.

“The building is beautiful, but it’s starting to deteriorate without being used,” said Onyonka. “Air conditioners have been idle for years, tiles are falling off, and dust is everywhere. This is a waste of public resources.”

Other senators present were Peris Tobiko and Hezena Lemaletian.