Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Wednesday dismissed allegations that she demolished a Ksh100 million factory to pave way for the construction of her office.
In a statement, the governor termed the reports as inaccurate stating that the alleged factory was demolished for not meeting mandatory construction standards.
According to Wanga, the project did not receive the requisite approvals from agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
This was because of its proximity of about 300 meters to the Kabunde Airstrip and thus on the flight path.
“Animal feed manufacturing was incompatible with the flight path and risk of bird strikes. The area has since been re-planned under the Physical Planning Act,” Governor Wanga clarified.
“The animal feeds project was moved to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Riwa Special Economic Zone.”
The Governor disclosed that following the hurdles, the unfinished structure became a ghost project and that the building, initiated in 2014, deteriorated over the years.
While dismissing reports that the building cost Ksh100 million to construct, she noted that the project was later decommissioned under her leadership.
"Projects left unfinished by previous administrations such as this one continue to be repurposed or completed to maximise public funds' value," the governor stated.
Governor Wanga further urged the media to report objectively and seek all sides of the story before publishing such stories.
"If our input had been sought, this additional information would have been readily available," the governor told the press.
"We want to assure the public that we are committed to responsible, accountable and transparent development in our county. We are dedicated to serving and transforming Homa Bay County," she added.
