MPs demand public participation before housing, market projects begin

National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning & Public Works led by chairperson Johana Ng'eno [second left] during an inspection of Ndenderu ESP Market and Ngecha Modern Market in Kiambu County on October 30, 2025. [Photo, Standard] Members of the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works have called for thorough public participation before the construction of Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets and other housing projects can commence. The MPs warned that projects that lack community input will not be approved. Speaking during an inspection tour of Gikomba Quarry Market, Committee Chairperson Johana Ng'eno pointed out the need for inclusive consultations with traders to ensure designs meet their day-to-day operational needs. "You must satisfy the needs of different traders. You must listen to them because they are the users of the markets. As a committee, we won't approve projects that aren't thought through," said Ng'eno. Traders at Gikomba raised concerns about the safety of their goods, particularly in open stalls, urging the government to provide lockable spaces for better security. Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri echoed these sentiments, emphasising that user needs should take precedence over architectural designs. "The clients' needs are common sense, and so you must understand their needs before addressing architectural concerns," said Obiri. Following the inspection, the committee directed the State Department and the contractor to ensure that the new market stalls are equipped with lockable drawers, reliable power supply with charging points, and adequate lighting to improve safety and working conditions. The committee's inspection also extended to several other projects, including the Starehe affordable housing project, Ruiru Boma Yangu housing, Witeithie ESP Market, Thika Bustani affordable housing, King Boma Orchard affordable housing, Thika Depot affordable housing, and Ngoigwa ESP Market. Other projects visited were Kabete Social Protection AHP, Kahuho-slum upgrading ESP market, Muguga ESP market, Kikuyu affordable housing project, Thogoto ESP, Gikambura market, Soko Mjinga ESP, Nyambari ESP, Limuru AHP, and Ngecha ESP. The committee comprises John Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia County), and Caleb Mule (Machakos Town) was joined by Alice Ng'ang'a (Thika Town) and Simon King'ara (Ruiru). During the visits, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all housing and market projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and contribute meaningfully to community development. Ng'eno criticised poor accountability in project management, revealing that in one project, a contractor had been paid up to 92 per cent of project funds despite incomplete works. "This is a sad state of affairs and is uncalled for. We are shocked to learn that the contractor has been paid up to 92 per cent and yet the remaining balance is not even enough to repair damages or construct the parking," he said. At the Kamiti social housing project, the committee directed that a needs analysis of Kamiti Prisons be conducted before implementing the corporate social responsibility (CSR) component. Kimilu urged the government to ensure the availability of essential social amenities, especially schools, before residents are relocated. "You must ensure that there are schools around Kamiti social housing. You can't relocate students to where there are no schools," said Kimilu. Obiri emphasised the need to consider accessibility to learning institutions, with Kiambaa MP Kawanjiku adding that CSR initiatives should prioritise schools near the project area. "If there are schools to benefit, they should be the surrounding schools. Around Kamiti Prisons, this committee has seen schools with enough space for expansion," said Kawanjiku. The committee reaffirmed its oversight role to ensure that public resources are well utilised and that all housing and market projects meet the expectations of Kenyans.

MPs demand public participation before housing, market projects begin

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