Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has threatened legal action against a contractor over a stalled Sh114 million market project in Murang’a County.
During a development tour in Gatanga Constituency, Kindiki expressed frustration over the incomplete Ithanga (Kaguku) Modern Market.
The project reportedly began in 2024 but has reached only 17 per cent completion. The delay has affected traders who expected to use the facility for their businesses.
Kindiki Orders Contractor’s Replacement
Kindiki ordered the immediate termination of the contractor’s contract over the stalled project. He also instructed Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to ensure a new contractor takes over the site.
The Deputy President said the government would pursue legal action against the firm. He also vowed to recover public funds already paid to the contractor, according to reports. The intervention aims to revive the project and enable local traders to access the planned modern market.
Market Project Faces Delays
The Sh114 million facility was intended to provide traders with a modern trading space and support local economic activity. However, the reported delays have prevented the project from delivering its expected benefits.
The market’s slow progress has also raised concerns about accountability in publicly funded development projects. Kindiki’s warning signals the government’s intention to take action against contractors who fail to complete projects as agreed.
Road Projects Also Under Scrutiny
The market dispute comes amid wider government concerns about delays in infrastructure development. Kindiki has separately warned road contractors against delaying projects, as authorities seek to revive stalled works across the country.
Reports have also highlighted government efforts to address pending payments to road contractors and accelerate delayed infrastructure projects.
However, the Kaguku dispute concerns a market construction project, not a road. The government’s next steps will determine how quickly construction resumes and whether the facility can serve traders as originally intended.
