Machakos governor Dr Alfred Mutua on Wednesday interdicted two chief officers.
Another 36 employees of the county government were either suspended or interdicted at the water ministry.
The officers were interdicted due to their inability to meet set deadlines and failure to deliver the water programme as set by the county government.
"I have today (Wednesday) interdicted two chief officers, and either suspended or interdicted over 36 officers in the water ministry," a statement issued by Mutua said.
Mutua noted that failure to meet deadlines means more days of suffering for Machakos people.
He said he would not tolerate incompetence.
"The culture of 'process' has to change to the culture of 'results'. Wananchi want to see roads, water, healthcare, and other services in a timely and efficient manner," read the statement.
Additionally, the suspended officers will be investigated for various crimes and malpractices like theft of fuel, diversion of drilling rigs from public to private homes, bribery and other unethical behaviour.