The High Court in Eldoret has ordered the Uasin Gishu County government to pay a staggering Ksh.1 billion to a contractor over a terminated Ksh.35 million hospital construction contract.
Presiding Judge Robert Wananda ruled that the county breached a legally binding agreement with Zedka Technical Limited, which was contracted to construct the Moiben Sub-County Hospital during the 2015/2016 fiscal year.
The contractor, Martin Chemonges Siwa, had completed 30 percent of the work before the county terminated the agreement without payment. Despite numerous follow-ups and certified payment certificates from the Ministry of Works, Siwa’s claims were ignored.
The county, represented by Dr. Paul Wangwe, claimed the contractor had only completed 7 percent of the work and was issued default notices. However, the court found the county’s arguments lacking, especially after Wangwe failed to recall payment details or confirm the status of the project.
Judge Wananda concluded that the termination amounted to a breach of contract and awarded Siwa Ksh.1 billion in damages.
Written By Rodney Mbua
