Nairobi housing projects face scrutiny over delays and poor workmanship
Nairobi County’s ongoing housing and market projects have come under scrutiny as the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works toured key sites to assess progress and quality.
The committee, chaired by Johana Ng’eno, highlighted delays, substandard workmanship, and the need for better social planning to ensure projects serve communities effectively.
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On Tuesday, the committee inspected Mathare 1 and 2 Social Housing Projects, Mathare North Modern Market, Kamiti Social Housing, and Ruai Wholesale Market Hub.
The MPs emphasised that projects must be completed on schedule, constructed to high standards, and integrated with amenities that support residents’ daily lives.
At Mathare 1, the committee was briefed that project commencement had been delayed due to over 50,000 cubic meters of waste on-site and the requirement to redo geo-technical and topographical surveys after the site was reduced from seven acres to four.
The contractor assured the MPs that both Mathare 1 and 2 would be completed within a 24-month timeframe despite these obstacles.
During the Mathare North Modern Market inspection, members expressed concern over the quality of work and stressed that the State Department must ensure compliance with contractual and quality standards.
"We expect contractors to adhere to contractual agreements and deliver quality projects on time," said Laikipia County MP Jane Kagiri.
The MPs emphasised that projects must be completed on schedule, constructed to high standards, and integrated with amenities that support residents’ daily lives. (National Assembly)
Johana Ng’eno raised an alarm over payments made for incomplete works, revealing that 92 per cent of the contract sum had already been disbursed, leaving insufficient funds to address damages or construct the market parking area.
"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 the damages nor construct the Parking," Ng’eno said.
The committee recommended that future payments should only follow proper inspection and verification of completed work, emphasising accountability to prevent misuse of public resources.
At Kamiti Social Housing, MPs instructed that a thorough needs assessment of Kamiti Prisons should be conducted before rolling out any Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu highlighted the necessity of having nearby 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," he said.
Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri and Kiambaa MP John Kawanjiku also stressed that CSR efforts should prioritise local schools capable of accommodating more students, noting that nearby institutions have room for expansion.
"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," Kawanjiku said.
Other MPs joining the tour included Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot, and Machakos MP Caleb Mule.
The committee is scheduled to continue its inspections in Kiambu County from October 29 to 31, focusing on Affordable Housing and ESP market projects.
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