By Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key Highlights
- The incomplete Kitale Business Complex has audit queries.
- Construction of some markets stalled because there was no public participation at the inception stage.
- Public finance experts say there is no value for money in the projects.
- The County Government of Trans Nzoia has allocated KSh. 20 million for the renovation and completion of markets.
- Traders in Trans Nzoia lack a conducive environment for business.
- The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kitale branch is willing to identify investors.
Trade development and regulation are part of the 14 devolved functions under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya. Construction of markets play a crucial role in achieving Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals, whose focus includes infrastructure development.
When county governments were established in 2013, markets were built in most wards. In Trans Nzoia County, numerous fresh produce markets were established in all the 25 wards.
However, the majority of these markets either stalled or are complete but not operational.
Radio Baraza investigated the reasons behind the markets’ inability to serve their intended purposes. We also aimed to determine if the money invested in constructing these markets was well-spent.
Kitale Business Complex
famously known as Masinde Muliro market, is one of the projects initiated by Patrick Khaemba, the first Governor of Trans Nzoia County. The multi-floored project has been under construction for the last five years.
Although the project was officially opened by Governor Khaemba before the 9 August 2022 general election, it remains incomplete and not operational. This situation has forced more than three thousand traders to sell their goods along the streets of Kitale town
According to the Auditor General’s report for the 2021/2022
financial year, over KSh. 700 million has been used on the project. The audit report also reveals that the project’s contract period expired more than 27 months ago.
Grace Njeri, a second-hand clothes seller, expressed her frustration, stating that traders have for more than two years, been waiting for stalls to be allocated and are now uncertain when they will receive them.
“We pay Ksh. 40 per day, and yet we work under very harsh conditions. The lack of nearby toilets is the worst part,” Njeri said.
Emoru Market and Kinyoro Fresh Produce Market
Emoru market, located in Kwanza Constituency, remains incomplete and has now become a gathering place for idlers and a grazing field for animals.
Kinyoro fresh produce market, which was constructed during Khaemba’s tenure, is currently idle and in poor condition after being vandalised.
Dickens Simiyu, a fruit vendor, argued that the public resources invested in constructing the markets have gone to waste since they are not fulfilling their intended purpose.
“There are similar markets throughout the county. I wish that money had been allocated to more meaningful projects, such as educating underprivileged students,” Simiyu said.
Lack of Public Participation
David Too, an opinion leader, stated that the market is not fulfilling its purpose because stakeholders were not involved in all stages of the project.
“There was a lack of public participation. People have not utilised these non-functional markets because they were not involved,” said Too.
In other markets like Chebarus fresh produce market in Cherang’any Constituency, Sikhendu market in Kiminini, and Chepchoina market in Endebess Constituency, traders sell their products outside the markets due to poor market locations.
Rose Paul, a fruit trader in Sikhendu, and Wekesa Mang’oli, a cereal seller in Chepchoina, Endebess, explained that the markets’ locations are not conducive to doing business.
“The markets are far from the roads where customers are, so most of us sell our products outside the stalls,” said the traders.
Underutilised
Patrick Gacheru, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Trade and Industrialisation, informed Radio Baraza that steps would be taken to ensure proper utilisation of the markets.
“We will make sure that these markets are well utilised by traders. We will ensure that all the markets have water, toilets, and electricity,” said Gacheru.
He also revealed that the County Government has allocated KSh. 20 million for the renovation and completion of stalled markets in the 2024/2025 budget.
Willingness to Partner
Titus Kilong’i, chairperson, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Trans Nzoia branch, expressed willingness to partner with the county government in identifying potential investors.
“These stalled markets have the potential to bring economic benefits. As a chamber, we can assist the county government in identifying potential investors who can turn our markets into profitable ventures,” said Kilong’i.
A Significant Waste
Steve Bonuke, an economist and public finance expert, criticised such projects as a significant waste. He argued that the former governor made a crucial mistake by assuming that markets were the top priority for local traders.
“We have ended up with what we call dead capital in economics. You cannot recover costs, break even, make profits, or liquidate government property, resulting in a useless investment that lacks economic sense,” Bonuke explained.
He further claimed that some markets have stalled due to non-payment of contractors and that certain county government officials demand significant kickbacks from contractors.
To ensure that projects implemented by both the national and county governments provide value for money, it is essential to conduct proper public participation. This will enable Kenyans to appreciate and take ownership of these projects.
Related stories
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/county-to-complete-construction-of-markets/
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-04-02-sh5bn-gone-but-no-work-as-stalled-projects-rot/
