Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has once again raised concerns about the government’s approach to development, questioning why new projects are being launched while many existing ones remain unfinished.
Appearing before the National Assembly Labour Committee on Thursday, Muturi criticized President William Ruto’s administration for focusing on fresh initiatives instead of completing stalled projects.
Muturi expressed frustration over the trend of starting multiple developments without ensuring sufficient funding for their completion.
“I sometimes wonder if there is something wrong with our mindset as a country. I have traveled across Kenya and observed that some projects have remained incomplete for more than 30 years,” he told lawmakers.
The CS urged a shift in strategy, emphasizing the need to allocate resources efficiently.
“If there aren’t enough funds for all projects, why not complete one first? Can we finish one before moving on to the next?” he questioned.
He cited a recent visit to Wote in Makueni County, where he found government-commissioned housing projects that had been abandoned for decades.
“In Wote, I came across houses that were started over 30 years ago and are still incomplete,” he noted.
Muturi also addressed concerns regarding the restructuring of state departments, which has seen nine dissolved, 42 merged, and six reorganized. He assured public servants that no one would lose their job as a result of the changes.
“There is no risk of job losses. Even if a situation arose requiring retrenchment, due process and compensation would be considered,” he stated.
The CS dismissed claims of corruption within Huduma Centres, which had been raised by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour Chair Hon. Muchangi. He blamed the media for spreading misinformation.
“I have made unannounced visits to various Huduma Centres and spoken to citizens. The general feedback has been positive, with people satisfied with the services provided,” Muturi said.
His outspoken nature has positioned him as an outlier within Ruto’s administration, with some political figures calling for his resignation or impeachment, accusing him of undermining government efforts from within.
Muturi’s absence from several Cabinet meetings has further fueled speculation about his strained relationship with the executive, even as President Ruto continues to roll out new infrastructure and development projects.
