A recent deal signed between the County Government of Uasin Gishu and the National Youth Service (NYS) has led to sharp division between Senator Jackson Mandago and Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
Under the deal whose implementation has already started, NYS will grade and gravel over 700 kilometres of roads across all wards in Uasin Gishu.
Senator Mandago, who served as Uasin Gishu’s first governor, has, however, criticised the partnership.
Mandago argues that the county already has its machinery, which should be utilised instead of outsourcing the same.
The senator has also been hitting out at the current county boss over stalled projects.
He insists it is part of his role, but Bii and his allies, including Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi believes Mandago is playing politics.
“I am performing my oversight role. When I ask questions, don’t get furious,” Mandago said in a recent event in the county.
Was Uasin Gishu’s deal with NYS necessary?
The county has, however, insisted that the NYS deal was the best for the people.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that after an assessment, it was found that the county machinery would need at least Ksh 150 million in repairs for them to be able to return to road construction.
However, the cost of the current deal with NYS has not been made public.
On stalled projects, Bii insists he is not to blame since they were initiated by his predecessor, Mandago.
“You served for 10 years, and you did not finish the projects. Why do you want me to finish them in only three years?” Bii said in response to Mandago’s attack on his performance.
The verbal exchanges between the two are expected to intensify with two camps emerging ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Bii’s camp includes Oscar Sudi, while Mandago’s camp, perceived to be supporting Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok, consists of MPs David Kiplagat of Soy and CPA Julius Ruto (Kesses).
Other MPs, Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Prof Phyllis Bartoo (Moiben) and Ainabkoi’s Samuel Chepkonga have kept off the issue.
