Parliament has summoned Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to a Speaker’s Kamukunji session scheduled for Thursday, July 2, to respond to concerns over stalled projects across the country, including the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship initiatives.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued the directive on Thursday, June 25, following concerns raised by Sotik MP Francis Sigei. He directed the Cabinet Secretary, her Principal Secretary, and other relevant officials to appear before the House next week to provide updates and address the issues surrounding the delayed projects.
Sigei had requested a statement from the Departmental Committee on Housing over the stalled Affordable Housing project in his constituency, prompting several other MPs to raise similar concerns about delayed housing projects in their own constituencies.
“So, it is directed that the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, her PS, and any other person of interest appear before the House for a Kamukunji on Thursday, July 2, at 10 am. So, all those with concerns, raise them on that day,” said Wetang’ula.
Sigei said the Sotik Affordable Housing Project, which was planned to deliver 596 housing units together with essential social amenities and supporting infrastructure, has remained stalled despite its launch in 2025.
He noted that the project was expected to expand access to affordable housing, generate employment opportunities, and spur economic growth within the constituency.
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However, he noted that the project’s implementation had faced significant delays, with construction works currently stalled despite the contractor having already mobilised to the site.
“It is alleged that the contractor has not received any payment since the commencement of the project and has therefore issued notices to suspend works and subsequently terminate the contract, citing breach of contractual obligations by the procuring entity,” he said.
Sigei warned that the delays were depriving residents of the intended benefits of the project while exposing the government to potential contractual disputes, compensation claims, and rising project costs.
He asked the Committee to provide a comprehensive update on the project’s implementation, including its commencement date, expected completion timeline, percentage of work completed, and the amounts certified and disbursed.
He also requested clarification on whether the Ministry was aware of the contractor’s notice to suspend and terminate the works, and what measures had been put in place to resolve the dispute and facilitate the resumption of construction.
Additionally, he sought information on the financial and legal risks the government could face as a result of delayed payments, as well as the safeguards established to protect public funds.
Igembe Central MP Daniel Karitho pointed to a similar case involving a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) housing project, where construction came to a halt shortly after groundbreaking.
He urged the government to strengthen oversight and monitoring mechanisms to ensure projects that have already been launched are completed within the stipulated timelines.
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Eldas MP Aden Keynan described the situation as a matter of national concern, questioning the status of the housing levy and stalled developments in marginalised regions.
“We cannot afford to have stalled projects under this housing levy. It will be a national shame,” said Keynan.
Marakwet East MP Bowen Kangogo suggested possible sabotage within the Ministry, citing prolonged inactivity at project sites despite earlier launches.
By Frank Mugwe
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