Millions Burnt Since 2018: Siaya County’s Phantom Fire Station Scandal Unveiled
If a fire were to erupt in Siaya today, the outcome would likely be catastrophic with property destroyed and potentially lives lost, all due to the absence of a fire station or a swift emergency response.
Previous tragic incidents in the county have resulted in the loss of property worth millions, the most recent being the Malanga-Gem sub-county fuel tanker disaster that claimed 32 lives.
Ironically, since 2018, the county budget has consistently allocated funds for constructing a fire station, yet there is no visible progress or even a foundation laid.
In the 2018/19 financial year, Sh50 million was allocated for the construction of a fire station; in 2019/2020, an additional Sh12 million was set aside for the same project.
In the 2021/22 financial year, Sh180 million was earmarked for constructing a fire station and purchasing a fire engine, and in 2021/22, the final year of the previous administration, Sh500,000 was designated for fencing the station.
Despite these substantial allocations, there is no evidence of the project on the ground.
This has raised concerns among various stakeholders in the county, with civil society groups criticizing the county government for failing to implement such a crucial project.
Although the previous administration under Mr. Cornel Rasanga purchased two fire engines, the fire station has remained a paper project.
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The fire engines are currently stationed at the Public Works Department.
Chris Owala, Director of Community Initiative Action Group Kenya (CIAG), blames the county government’s legislative wing, accusing them of neglecting their oversight responsibilities.
“Since 2018, the fire station project has been rolled over each financial year, violating the medium-term expenditure framework, which mandates that a project should not be rolled over more than three times,” he stated.
Mr. Owala also highlighted that the assembly’s tactics enable them to divert funds to other projects that are less critical and less beneficial to the public.
“The budget-making process includes substantial public participation where the community decides on the projects they want to be implemented,” he explained.
“However, after the budget is approved with the people’s proposed projects, the assembly reintroduces a supplementary budget with entirely new projects that are not a priority for the public. Unfortunately, sometimes funds intended for projects are redirected to travel and allowances.”
Mr. Owala claims that the County Assembly is holding the executive hostage.
“The two arms of government have found a common ground to manipulate the budget for their selfish interests, leaving the public, who should benefit from the budget, powerless,” he noted.
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Mr. Owala further claims that numerous projects in Siaya, which have consumed millions of taxpayers’ money, have stalled due to the budget not being respected.
“A supplementary budget is supposed to be introduced in case of an emergency, but having a single project in four consecutive budgets without implementation indicates that the project is not a priority and should be removed from the budget,” he added.
When Nation.Africa reached out to Usonga Ward MCA Mr. Sylvester Madialo, who also chairs the Budget Committee in the Siaya County Assembly, but his phone calls went unanswered.
When questioned about the recurring allocations for the fire station without any tangible project progress, Siaya County Director of Planning and Budget Mr. Lawrence Kenyatta stated, “Our role is to compile the budget; for implementation, please consult the relevant department.”
Siaya County Chief Officer for Governance Mr. Walter Okelo informed Nation.Africa that the project has been delayed partly due to issues with the land designated for construction.
“The current administration allocated Sh15.2 million for the fire station. However, these funds were redirected to other urgent projects,” Mr. Okelo stated.
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The Chief Officer further explained that the land allocated for the fire station, as per the 1979 Plan, has been encroached upon, causing evacuation challenges.
“Over time, people have encroached on the land, which is directly opposite the Siaya Stadium. This might have contributed to the delay in constructing the fire station,” he added.
He continued, “Currently, there is an ongoing construction of a modern market by the national government, and there are discussions about potentially integrating the fire station within this project.”
Millions Burnt Since 2018: Siaya County’s Phantom Fire Station Scandal Unveiled
