Machakos County has failed to secure funding for two consecutive years—first in 2022 under former Governor Alfred Mutua, and again in 2023, the first year under current Governor Wavinya Ndeti. At the heart of this funding debacle is Kes 89 million, earmarked by the Machakos Municipalities Board for a road in Machakos Municipality, a project in which both leaders have shown a significant interest. The road extends from Kimutwa Workshop, passes behind Lauh Hotel, Women Finance Trust, KFA, and connects to the road facing Equity Bank.

Sources indicate that Mutua had intended to use these funds to construct an airstrip at the undeveloped New Machakos City, but this plan was met with resistance from the Board, chaired by Mr. Malcolm Kateta, and time ran out. The board is reportedly striving for autonomy to operate its programs without interference from either the central or county government.

The situation has not improved with Governor Ndeti’s tenure. Since May, when bids were solicited for the road’s construction using cabro, the tender remains unawarded. Frustrated by this administrative inertia, the World Bank has issued an ultimatum to recall the Kes 89 million and withdraw funding from Machakos County’s needy municipalities. The World Bank donates Kes 1 billion annually to Machakos County under the Kenya Urban Transport Improvement Programme (KUTIP), which is shared among the urban areas of Machakos, Mavoko, and Tala/Kangundo. This program aims to upgrade urban roads to bitumen standards, helping to eliminate dust and improve living standards.

Sources who didn’t want to be identified told The Anchor that the current stalemate stems from opposition by cartels to the contractor who won the tender.

“Since May, no winner has been announced, and we suspect a fierce battle is underway to ensure those aligned with the current administration are awarded the works.”