Vihiga: The Government has pledged to fast-track the completion of several stalled development projects in Vihiga County following an inspection exercise that revealed delays caused by non-payment of contractors, slow implementation, and abandonment of project sites. Speaking during a project review meeting attended by government officials and other stakeholders, Deputy County Commissioner Linet Orina said measures would be taken to address challenges hindering the implementation of key infrastructure projects across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the meeting, the Director of Housing and Planning, Teresia Ooko, presented a status report on various ongoing national government projects, highlighting significant delays in several markets, housing schemes, and technical training institutions. Ooko said the construction of Esibuye Market, valued at Sh64.23 million, had stalled at 46 percent completion after the contractor abandoned the site. The project, which was expected to be completed within six months, has since had its contract terminated.
She noted that Esirulo Market had reached 73 percent completion. Although the contractor was granted an extension after the initial completion date of October 10, 2025, the project has since stalled. The Director reported that Luanda Market, one of the largest modern markets in the country, is progressing well and is currently 42 percent complete. The facility will accommodate 1,200 stalls and an open-air market space for more than 2,000 traders. The project is scheduled for completion on July 8, 2026.
At the Vihiga, Kenya, Medical Training College (KMTC), institutional housing with a bed capacity of 580 is under construction at a cost of Sh211 million. However, no funds have been disbursed so far, with the project standing at 9.16 percent completion despite a completion target of January 2027. Mbale Market, valued at Sh362 million and expected to accommodate 1,000 stalls and an additional 500 open-air traders, is currently 13.8 percent complete. No payments have been made to the contractor, but work is in progress.
The Ebukanga Technical Vocational College project, worth Sh140 million, has also stalled after the contractor abandoned the site. The project stands at only 1.8 percent completion, with no work going on. Ooko said the contractor has been served with two default notices. Majengo Market, valued at Sh67.8 million, is expected to accommodate 200 stalls and is scheduled for completion in August 2026. The contractor has so far received an advance payment of Sh678,415. Similarly, Banja Market, which is expected to be completed by August 12, 2026, has reached 35 percent completion.
The Ebunangwe Technical Vocational College hostel project, with a bed capacity of 340 and valued at Sh153 million, is currently 26 percent complete. No payments have been made despite the project being underway since January 2026. Other projects experiencing slow progress include Gambogi Market and Cheptulu Market, each valued at Sh72 million. Both projects stand at 15 percent completion, with no payments made to contractors despite their July 2026 completion deadlines.
At Sabatia, a hostel project with a bed capacity of 340 has recorded only one percent physical progress. No contractor is on site, and no funds have been disbursed. Serem Market, designed to accommodate 200 stalls and valued at Sh72.5 million, has also stalled with no visible work ongoing. The project commenced in January 2026 and was expected to be completed in July this year.
Meanwhile, the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Luanda, valued at Sh496 million, has reached 25 percent completion since its commencement in 2023. The county Industrial Development Officer attributed the slow progress to contractor-related challenges and delays in connecting permanent electricity to the site. So far, Sh58 million has been paid to the contractor. The government is also planning to roll out additional projects in the county, including a 1,200-bed hostel at Kaimosi University, the Sabatia Housing Project, the Hamisi Housing Project, the Luanda Housing Project, and the Vihiga Housing Project. Officials expressed optimism that interventions being put in place will accelerate project implementation and ensure residents benefit from the intended socio-economic gains.
