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National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works has flagged the government’s move to hike the price of construction of the new Githurai Market by Ksh200 million.

Initially, the market was to be constructed for Ksh827.170 million before the cost was increased to Ksh1.026 billion.

Led by Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno the MPs questioned Housing and Urban Development PS Charles Hinga on the reasons behind the hike.

“The variation in terms of costs is very huge. You recently advertised the construction of 60 markets, and we are concerned that their costs may also be inflated. What justified the review of the costs?” posed Hon Ngeno.

According to Hinga, the increase in the construction cost of the five-storied ultra-modern market was due to changes in the scope of work and modifications to the design during the project’s implementation.

“As the project progressed, there were adjustments to the scope of work and design changes that necessitated a cost review, leading to the contract sum of Ksh1.026 billion,” he explained.

He added that the changes were crucial to enhancing the functionality, structural integrity, and visual appeal of the project, which commenced in October 2019.

Githurai Market inauguration

The market was officially inaugurated by President William Ruto on August 5, 2023.

The State Department has been directed to furnish the House team with the original bill of quantities, drawings, designs, and other pertinent documents related to the project.