Auditor General Flags Billions Wasted on Stalled Market Projects Nationwide
A damning report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has exposed widespread mismanagement of public funds in Kenya’s market development initiatives, with billions of shillings lost to incomplete, vandalised, or abandoned projects.
The revelations come as President William Ruto continues to commission new market projects, such as those recently launched in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties—raising serious concerns over transparency, accountability, and project sustainability.
In her 2023/2024 financial year audit, Gathungu detailed a litany of stalled and mismanaged projects at both county and national government levels. Among the most glaring cases:
- Kwale County: The Sh118 million Kombani Wholesale Market has been vandalised and remains inaccessible due to legal disputes, despite Sh95.3 million already paid to the contractor.
- Mandera County: A Sh339.6 million regional livestock market launched in 2021 remains unused. An additional Sh22 million was paid this financial year.
- Isiolo County: The Sh545.2 million modern market is incomplete, with Sh366.6 million already disbursed.
- Meru County: The Sh42.9 million Ndagani Market stalled shortly after contract signing. A September 2024 audit found no activity on-site.
- Embu County: Renovations at Manyatta Market remain incomplete. A contractor failed to deliver even basic components of the Sh1.99 million project.
- Turkana County: A Sh132 million business centre in Lodwar has stalled.
- Samburu County: The Sh53.9 million Maralal Municipality Retail Market is overgrown and unused.
- Kericho County: The Sh128.9 million Sondu Market and a Sh98 million project from 2009 under the Economic Stimulus Programme are both incomplete.
- Migori County: Multiple markets remain unfinished, including Kwiriba, Masaba, and Oyani Masai.
- Kisii County: Sh6.2 million was spent on minor works across small markets, with little to show.
- Nakuru County: The Sh350 million Karai Fish Market, launched in 2021, has seen just Sh107 million spent so far, with no completion in sight.
Despite these setbacks, the government is pushing forward with more projects. During a recent visit to Mt. Kenya, President Ruto commissioned eight new markets and pledged Sh50 million more for Sipili and Kimuruti markets in Laikipia.
Gathungu’s report has reignited public debate over value for money and the need for more rigorous monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Citizens and watchdog groups are demanding action to prevent future wastage and to ensure that development funds translate into actual benefits for communities.
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Auditor General Flags Billions Wasted on Stalled Market Projects Nationwide