Homa Bay clarifies paying Ksh500K for a 2-door toilet after uproar
By Emmanuel Rono, June 17, 2026The county government of Homa Bay has clarified concerns raised on the cost of constructing a two-door pit latrine in public markets, noting that the widely cited Ksh500,000 figure does not represent the actual amount received by contractors as cash for works.
In a statement on its X account on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the county explained that the amount is subject to statutory deductions and legal obligations under the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act and other tax regulations.
According to the breakdown provided, 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), amounting to about Ksh80,000, is remitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
A further 30 per cent, approximately Ksh150,000, is described as a guaranteed minimum Return on Investment(ROI) to the contractor as provided by law. Another 3 per cent, equivalent to Ksh15,000, goes to contractual dedication for oversight and compliance.
The statement further revealed that this leaves an estimated Ksh255,000 as the balance available for actual construction works of a two-door pit latrine.
“That is the modest amount left for pitting and constructing a two-door latrine after statutory deductions and legal returns.
Do the math before the noise,” the statement read in part.
The county also noted that Homa Bay is ranked among counties with improved access to sanitation services in Kenya, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
“Pit latrines have improved access to proper sanitation for traders in rural markets, beaches and other public spaces. Homa Bay County is ranked among the counties with better access to sanitation in Kenya by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.”
Governor Wanga appearing at the Senate
The clarification comes amid ongoing public debate over the cost of county projects, with the Senate oversight committee increasingly calling for greater transparency and value-for-money in devolved government spending.
Governor Wanga explained to the senators that the standard cost of such a facility is about half a million shillings.
“The standard amount for the two-door pit latrines is about half a million shillings… It’s usually about half a million shillings,” Wanga stated.