A recent audit has revealed that dozens of publicly funded development projects, ranging from classrooms to ICT hubs and boreholes, remain unused across several constituencies, despite costing taxpayers over Sh101 million.
The findings, drawn from the 2023/2024 financial year, expose widespread underutilisation of infrastructure funded through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). Auditor General Nancy Gathungu says the report points to systemic flaws in planning, oversight, and execution at the grassroots level.
“These projects show a worrying pattern of investment without follow-through,” Gathungu noted. “Once the ribbon-cutting is done and photo opportunities concluded, many constituencies lack the institutional discipline to ensure projects transition into full operation.”
For instance, in Embakasi North constituency, facilities worth over KSh23 million remain idle. In Kangundo, four classrooms constructed at Kitwii Boys Primary School costing the taxpayers KSh5.63 million, are yet to admit learners nearly a year after completion.
Other constituencies such as Kuria East, Lafey, and Laikipia East also report millions spent on facilities that appear abandoned shortly after handover. In some instances, the audit suggests that political motivations may have taken precedence over actual community needs.
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In Limuru, an ICT hub valued at Sh3.4 million remains non-operational, while Laikipia North has staff housing worth Sh1.5 million standing empty. A borehole project at Pala Primary School in Ndhiwa, built at a cost of Sh5.9 million, was found to be non-functional.
In Turkana South, lecture rooms at Aro Teachers Training College, completed at a whooping KSh20.9 million, have yet to be put to use. Similarly, in Samburu East, a dining hall and dormitory built for Tipito Girls Secondary School at Sh11.2 million remain unoccupied.
Gathungu says the audit should serve as a wake-up call for both national and local leaders. “Development funding must translate into meaningful community benefit, not structures that remain dormant,” she said.
She further emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms and more inclusive planning processes. “Several initiatives appear to have been driven by political considerations rather than genuine community priorities,” she added.
The report has raised eyebrows over the effectiveness of NG-CDF allocations. Education stakeholders have also raised concerns about the impact of idle learning facilities especially in underserved regions.
By Masaki Enock
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