For years, motorists, traders and commuters have learned to live with diversions, half finished bridges and dusty detours that stretch far longer than promised.
Road projects meant to transform regional connectivity have often become symbols of delay, frustration and ballooning costs.
Public pressure has steadily mounted, with questions raised about accountability, enforcement and whether contractors face real consequences when deadlines are missed.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing road works, Chirchir said companies that fail to complete projects within agreed timelines risk having their contracts terminated.
He noted that delays not only inconvenience the public but also inflate project costs, strain government budgets and undermine national development goals.
Against this backdrop, the government is now signaling a tougher stance on stalled and poorly executed infrastructure works.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir says the era of endless extensions and leniency toward underperforming contractors is coming to an end, as the state seeks to protect public funds and restore confidence in major road projects.
The CS explained that while unforeseen challenges such as weather conditions or land acquisition issues may arise, many delays stem from poor planning, inadequate capacity and lack of commitment by contractors.
He said the government would no longer tolerate excuses where firms have clearly failed to meet contractual obligations.
Chirchir added that ministries and agencies responsible for roads have been instructed to closely monitor progress, enforce performance benchmarks and issue warnings early to contractors who fall behind schedule.
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Where no improvement is seen, he said, termination clauses would be activated and projects reallocated to capable firms.
The announcement comes as the government accelerates its push to expand and rehabilitate the national road network, which is viewed as critical to boosting trade, lowering transport costs and supporting economic growth.
Several high profile road projects across the country have faced prolonged delays, sparking public outcry and political debate.
Industry players have welcomed the move in principle, saying it could help weed out briefcase contractors and encourage professionalism in the construction sector.
However, some contractors have urged the government to also address delayed payments, bureaucratic bottlenecks and fluctuating fuel and material costs, which they argue contribute to slow project delivery.
Chirchir acknowledged these concerns but maintained that accountability must remain central. He said public resources must deliver value, and contractors awarded projects must demonstrate both technical and financial capacity to execute works on time.
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