Wavinya Administration writes to stop the construction of projects amid false claims

By The Anchor Correspondent

The Machakos County Government has demanded an immediate halt to the construction of three constituency sports academies by the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS). The move  has raised eyebrows amid growing concern over stalled development projects under Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration.

In a letter to KAS, the Machakos County Secretary Dr.Muya Ndambuki acknowledged and appreciated the county’s  selection for the pilot programme, with academies proposed at Mwala Sports Ground (Mwala), Kisiiki Primary (Yatta), and Kinyui Stadium (Matungulu).

However, the county cited constitutional overlap, arguing that the establishment of sports facilities falls under county jurisdiction and must be guided by a mutual legal framework with the national government.

“The County Government of Machakos has already initiated various sports projects at the exact sites identified for the national academies,” the letter  falsely stated, requesting that all construction works be suspended pending consultations. A spot check confirms the county has not constructed a single such project as claimed.

But, the timing and rationale of the objection have triggered public criticism. In a county where frustrations over a lack of tangible development are widespread, the move to block nationally funded projects has been described by some as politically tone-deaf and self-defeating.

“This is not the time for power games,” said a community leader in Mwala. “If the national government is ready to build training centres for our youth, the county should be working with them—not against them.”

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya condemned the action and expressed his bewilderment over the letter.

Observers have noted the irony of the county raising legal flags over projects seen to directly address glaring service delivery gaps. Critics argue that Machakos residents, who have waited years for effective investment in infrastructure and youth programmes, stand to lose the most from bureaucratic wrangling.

While the county insists that collaboration is necessary to avoid duplication and financial missteps, many believe the matter reveals a deeper leadership failure—where political turf wars override development priorities.

As the standoff persists, the question lingers: Will Machakos choose constitutional protocol over progress, or can both levels of government find common ground to deliver for the people? theanchormedia.org