Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma has terminated the contract for the stalled Kakapel Cultural Centre, citing delayed timelines.
Speaking during the Elalai Cultural and Sports Festival held in Angurai East Ward on Wednesday, Otuoma said the project had fallen behind the agreed timelines and directed culture and sports department to immediately initiate the contract termination process and re-advertise the tender to ensure completion of the project.
The Governor expressed frustration over the slow pace of work on the project, which has remained incomplete for years now despite funds having been allocated for its completion.
“Public resources must deliver value to the people. We can't continue tolerating contractors who fail to honour their obligations,” Otuoma said, adding that his administration would strictly enforce performance standards across all county projects.
The governor who was accompanied by the Roots Party leader Prof George Wajakoya and Western regional ODM Co-ordinator Kizito Mugali, earlier donated Sh100,000 for the Cultural and Sports Festival.
Local leaders and residents have raised concerns over delays, warning that prolonged stalling of the project has denied the region significant social and economic benefits.
The Kakapel Cultural Centre is a flagship cultural project aimed at preserving and promoting the heritage of the Iteso community, while also serving as a hub for cultural activities, tourism, and economic empowerment in Teso North Sub-county.
Once completed, the centre is expected to host cultural festivals, exhibitions, and training programmes, positioning Kakapel as a key cultural and tourism destination in Busia County.
Otuoma said that his administration is committed to completing stalled projects across the county.
He warned that contractors who underperform will face similar action as the county accelerates service delivery and development.
Teso North MP Dr Oku Kaunya said that the Elalai Cultural and Sports Festival has grown into a major platform for promoting culture and identifying talent.
Kaunya noted that the Elalai Cross Country Championships, a key highlight of the festival, would offer top performers opportunities to secure scholarships and participate in national and international competitions.
During the event, Mugalia thanked the Iteso community for embracing and preserving their culture.
“Busia County’s cultural heritage encompasses both the Iteso and the Luhya communities,” he said.
Nominated MCA Rose Amoit described the occasion as an important milestone for the Iteso community and praised Kaunya for initiating several development projects in the constituency.
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