Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang stares at a possible jail term over a Ksh83 million contract awarded when he was in charge of the State Department of Regional Development.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Jairus Ngaa, Kipsang was found to have breached the contract by failing to pay a construction company known as NK Brothers.
The company had won a tender for constructing the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) headquarters in Kisumu.
However, Kipsang' asked the court to allow him more time to coordinate with his successor, Idris Dagota to meet the financial obligation.
"I know that in the transition documents that I have given him, this is among the affairs that I need to bring to his attention and the progress of the same.
"Therefore, as we prepare a supplementary budget in government come January 2023, it becomes a critical part of that," the PS pleaded.
Justice Ngaa was convinced by Kipsang's explanation and extended the timelines for the contract payment.
"Since you have told this court you are no longer in the Ministry of Regional Development and you need time to consult with your successor, I will hold my ruling," the judge stated.
Kipsang had been dragged to court by the construction company and was charged with contempt of court.
The PS was moved to the Ministry of East African Community (EAC), The ASALA and Regional Development in a cabinet reshuffle in 2019.
He was among the few PS retained by President William Ruto and re-appointed to the Education docket.
Kipsang has already hit the ground rolling in the ministry, with his first assignment overseeing Grade Six, Class Eight and Form Four national exams.
