21 Kenyan County Governments Invest Sh4.21 Billion in Stalled Development Projects

A recent report by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, has revealed that 21 county governments in Kenya have invested Sh4.21 billion in 189 stalled development projects valued at Sh10.51 billion. The report, which covers the financial year 2025/2026, indicates that the projects stalled due to various reasons, including inadequate funding, delayed payments to contractors, poor planning, and weaknesses in contract management.

The report shows that Nairobi County has the highest number of stalled projects, with 57 projects valued at Sh2.24 billion. The county had paid Sh208.9 million to contractors before the projects stalled. Kakamega County follows with 26 projects valued at Sh848.95 million, while Baringo County has 23 projects valued at Sh163.32 million. Machakos County has 22 projects valued at Sh891.58 million, and Isiolo County has seven projects valued at Sh1.77 billion.

In Nairobi, some of the stalled projects include the Mbagathi hospital building, which is valued at Sh255.87 million and is only 15% complete. Other stalled projects in the county include the Mwiki social hall valued at Sh76 million, the Dandora II youth house valued at Sh50 million, and the Makina market renovation valued at Sh42 million. These projects stalled due to contractors not being paid.

Baringo County, led by Governor Benjamin Cheboi, had paid Sh83.69 million for stalled projects before work stopped. Some projects stalled due to insecurity in areas affected by armed banditry. Kakamega County had paid Sh218.98 million before the projects stalled, including the Ingotse-Navakholo-Chebuyusi road valued at Sh100 million.

Machakos County had paid Sh314.26 million for stalled projects, including the Mua community hospital and the Kwa Mwatu health center in Matuu. Other counties with stalled projects include Nakuru with three projects valued at Sh60.65 million, and Nandi with six projects valued at Sh23 million.

The Controller of Budget has urged the county governments to prepare a verified list of all stalled projects and develop a time-bound strategy to complete them. She also urged the counties to resolve contract disputes quickly and allocate funds to projects that can be completed and used by citizens.

The stalled projects have raised concerns about the management of public funds and the need for improved oversight and accountability in county governments. The report highlights the need for county governments to prioritize project implementation and ensure that funds are used efficiently.

Key points

• 21 county governments in Kenya have invested Sh4.21 billion in 189 stalled development projects valued at Sh10.51 billion.
• The stalled projects are attributed to inadequate funding, delayed payments to contractors, poor planning, and weaknesses in contract management.
• The Controller of Budget has urged county governments to prepare a verified list of all stalled projects and develop a time-bound strategy to complete them.