Market Scandal: PS Hinga Probed for Ksh1B Inflation
Charles Hinga, the principal secretary for housing, is under fire for the expenditure of Ksh1 billion on the construction of Githurai Market, which was inaugurated on August 5 by President William Ruto.
On Monday, August 28, the PS explained to the National Assembly Committee on Housing that the increase in construction costs for the Ksh1 billion market was due to structural modifications.
Specifically, Hinga explained that the design of the five-story building was modified to enhance the functionality of the installations for the merchants.
According to documents shared with Parliament, the building was estimated to cost Ksh827.170 million, but the government ultimately spent Ksh1.026 billion.
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Additionally, Hinga explained that the increased expenditures were intended to make the market more visually enticing.
“As the project progressed, modifications to the scope of work and design changes necessitated a cost review, resulting in the Kshs.1.026 billion contract sum,” “The construction site was a marketplace with nearly 11,000 merchants. Due to the hostile environment, our officers encountered difficulties when conducting site investigations as required,” he explained.
Despite the explanation, the Committee chaired by Johana Ngeno instructed the PS to submit the market’s initial design and other building documentation for review.
It was explained that the market’s inflation was alarming in light of the government’s plans to establish over 50 additional markets across the country.
“We fear that their prices may also be exaggerated. Why was an evaluation of the costs conducted?” The chairman struck a posture.
Following a directive from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the construction of Githurai Market commenced in 2019.
Ruto inaugurated the market on August 16 during his tour of the Mt. Kenya region. Twelve Wi-Fi sites designed to promote digital commerce are among the enhanced market features.
Market Scandal: PS Hinga Probed for Ksh1B Inflation
