Gladys Wanga Responds to Allegations Over Demolition of Ksh.100 Million Factory

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has addressed allegations regarding the demolition of a Ksh.100 million factory to make way for the construction of her office. Reports surfaced from the Daily Nation, claiming that the Animal Feeds Factory located in Arujo Ward, Homa Bay County, was razed to build the governor’s office. These reports also mentioned legal challenges from activists who alleged that the county government had not adhered to public participation requirements or procurement regulations.

According to a statement from Homa Bay County Government spokesperson Atieno Otieno, the claims in the Daily Nation report are inaccurate. Otieno clarified that the demolition and subsequent replanning of the site were in accordance with legal standards, stemming from issues with the factory’s initial construction.

The factory’s construction, which began in 2014, faced significant hurdles from the outset. It was reported that the project failed to secure approvals from essential regulatory bodies, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). These agencies raised concerns due to the factory’s proximity to Kabunde airstrip, about 300 meters away, which placed it within a critical flight path zone. This non-compliance with safety and environmental regulations led to the project’s stalling.

With the factory’s construction deemed unviable, the county government decided to replanning the area under the Physical Planning Act. The animal feeds project was subsequently relocated to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at the Rita Special Economic Zone. In place of the factory, the site has been designated to serve as a Huduma Centre, which is intended to provide various government services to the public.

Governor Wanga’s administration has emphasized its commitment to completing and repurposing projects inherited from the previous administration. According to the statement, the factory’s unfinished structure, described as a “ghost project,” had deteriorated significantly over the years. It is asserted that the original project could not have cost Ksh.100 million, and the decommissioned buildings were not worth the claimed amount. The administration’s focus has been on maximizing the value of public funds by repurposing or completing such projects.

The activists who challenged the construction in court have raised concerns about the county government’s adherence to transparency and fairness in the disposal of public assets. Their petition, quoted by the Daily Nation, highlights a lack of public auction or tendering processes, which are standard procedures for disposing of public property. The activists argue that the absence of public advertisement for the asset disposal raises significant concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.

In response to these concerns, the county government has underscored that all necessary approvals for the replanning and new construction were duly obtained, and the site’s new use as a Huduma Centre aligns with the county’s commitment to serving the public effectively. The administration also reiterated its focus on resolving issues with incomplete projects from the previous administration to ensure efficient use of public resources.

Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration has faced scrutiny, but the recent clarifications aim to address concerns and demonstrate adherence to legal and procedural standards. As the county continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on maximizing the benefits of public projects and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public assets.