Wastage: Kindiki launches Sh50m market next to another unused one

Controversy surrounds the decision by President William Ruto’s administration to construct another Sh50 million market in Ndaragwa next to another market that has remained non-operational since its completion.

Yesterday, residents subjected Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to ridicule as he commissioned the construction of a new market. They described the new market as a misplaced priority.

The fairly old but unused market was part of the economic stimulus programme that was completed four years ago, but is yet to be occupied due to a pending bill of Sh16 million to the contractor.

Prof Kindiki inspected the construction of the new market but did not address the issues surrounding the old market, which residents have criticized for its delayed opening.

According to residents, the facility has unfortunately become a haven for prostitution and a hideout for criminals.

“We thought that the Deputy President was coming to inaugurate the old market, but he only visited the new one. Why are they duplicating two projects?” asked Jane Nyokabi, chairwoman of the Ndaragwa Market Operators.

Sources told The Standard that the national government owes Sh16 million to the contractor, which is why the Nyandarua County government has not taken over its management.

During the tour, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano assured the contractor that she would follow up to ensure both markets become operational.

For his part, Kindiki stated that once completed, the new market would be handed over to the county government.

Since taking over the reign of leadership from his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, President Ruto has been moving around the country relaunching projects initiated by the previous administration, which he served in.

At one point, the Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura was forced to address the issue, and he explained that the President was obligated to relaunch stalled projects to ensure they were completed in line with the government’s overall development blueprint.

But the move by DP Kindiki to commission a market adjacent to another fully complete one is a puzzle that has left many wondering about the government’s priorities and prudent management of resources.

Meanwhile, Kindiki has announced plans to hire an additional 26,000 teachers by the end of September this year.