Parliament summons CS Wahome as housing projects stall nationwide

Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome during the launch of the constructed of Nyandarua University in Kapten, Ol Kalou. [James Munyeki, Standard]

Parliament has directed Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to appear for a Speaker’s Kamukunji next Thursday to respond to questions on stalled projects across the country, including the Affordable Housing Programme, a flagship undertaking of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued the directive yesterday, saying concerns raised by Sotik MP Francis Sigei must be urgently addressed. He instructed that the Cabinet Secretary, her Principal Secretary and other relevant officials to appear before the House next week.

Sigei had sought a statement from the Departmental Committee on Housing regarding the stalled Affordable Housing project in his constituency, a move that prompted other MPs to raise similar concerns over delayed projects in their areas.

"I had indicated to the House that because of the round of concerns now triggered by Sigei’s statement, can we have the Cabinet Secretary and the PS appear before a Kamukunji on Thursday morning? 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 10am. So all those with concerns, raise them on that day,” Wetang’ula said.

Sigei said the Sotik project, which was earmarked for 596 housing units alongside social amenities and infrastructure, had stalled despite being launched in 2025.

He said the initiative was expected to improve access to affordable housing, create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the constituency.

However, he noted that implementation had been delayed considerably, with works now at a standstill even after the contractor had 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 denying residents intended benefits and exposing the Government to possible contractual claims, compensation costs and escalation expenses.

He asked the committee to provide details on the project’s status, including start date, completion timelines, level of works done and amounts certified and paid.

Contractual claims

He also sought clarification on whether the Ministry was aware of the contractor’s notice to suspend and terminate works and what measures were in place to resolve disputes and resume construction.

Further, he requested information on the financial and legal risks facing the Government due to delayed payments and safeguards to protect public funds.

Turkana Central MP Joseph Emathe termed the stalled projects unfortunate, noting that the housing levy was meant to fund implementation.

“Why should they delay paying and work stall? What are we communicating to Kenyans?” he asked.

Igembe Central MP Daniel Karitho cited similar delays in a Technical and Vocational Training Institute housing project where construction stalled shortly after breaking ground.

He called for stronger oversight to ensure timely completion of projects already launched.

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,” he said.

Marakwet East MP Bowen Kangogo suggested possible sabotage within the Ministry, citing prolonged inactivity at project sites despite earlier launches.