MPs: Why many government projects are stalling

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire (third right), with members of the parliamentary committee on Housing and Public Works, led by their chairman Johana Ng'eno (second right), on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The MPs were in the county to inspect government projects. [Murithi Mugo, Standard]

Many development projects have stalled even after consuming massive resources due to a lack of public participation, according to the Parliamentary Housing and Public Works Committee.

During a tour in Murang'a and Kirinyaga counties, the MPs discovered several stalled projects that were funded by the national government between 2008 and 2012.

"We have found that location, sites, and designs are core issues that have blocked utilisation of the projects by the locals," said Johana Ng'eno, the MP Emuria Dikirr.

In Murang'a County, they visited markets undergoing construction at Kangari at Sh342m, Muthithi at Sh101m, and Kanyenya-ini at Sh31m.

The MP emphasised to the local leadership to fully involve the residents through public participation before embarking on the implementation of projects.

Ngeno cited the majority of market centres commenced between 2008 and 2012.

"There are Economic Stimulus Programme markets that spent millions of shillings, have remained unused due to failure to consult the locals," said Ng'eno.

He spoke when the committee visited Governor Irungu Kang'ata on a courtesy call at his office.

On housing, the team said there is a need for consultation before the construction of affordable houses to ensure they will be occupied upon completion.

He said the location of the programme is vital, which can be achieved through public participation and involving all the residents.

"Through consultations with Murang'a governor, affordable houses would be done in slum areas to achieve the desired target of President William Ruto's government," said Ng'eno.

Kang'ata said his administration, in one year, has managed to construct market sheds at Maragua, Kambiti, Kihoya, Gitugi, thus uplifting the standard of the traders.