By Yusuff Baishe
A Story of Stalled Promise
The construction of the Mtangawanda Open-Air Market, located in Faza Ward on Pate Island within Lamu County, previously raised serious concerns over the management of public funds after the project stalled before completion.
Initiated to improve the livelihoods of residents in Mtangawanda and surrounding areas, the market was meant to create space for small-scale traders, ease access to essential goods on the island, and stimulate the local economy of Faza. However, that vision stalled for a long time, leaving the project stuck at the foundation stage with no clear timeline for completion.
Speaking earlier while aboard a public transport boat, a resident of Lamu East, Mohamed Hassan, explained to fellow elders that the market had lost its intended purpose. He noted that despite high expectations, the allocated funds seemed to have gone to waste without delivering meaningful benefits to the community.
Collins Muna, a community champion in Lamu, also gathered public opinion through WhatsApp groups regarding markets such as Mokowe, where residents expressed frustration over projects left as incomplete structures.
The Auditor-General’s Findings
According to a report by the Office of the Auditor-General Kenya for the 2022/2023 financial year, the project was initially awarded a contract worth KSh 19,727,556. By the time of the audit, the contractor had been paid a total of KSh 11,147,288, representing 57% of the contract value, disbursed in phases during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years.
The report further revealed an inadequate budget allocation to ensure completion, while the contract period expired on June 16, 2023, with no evidence of an extension, increasing the risk of complete abandonment. Funded through the county governments Urban Development Grant, the market remained for a long time a symbol of unfulfilled promises.
Hope Restored: The 2026/2027 Budget Breakthrough
There is now a renewed wave of optimism for the residents of Lamu East.
In the Lamu County Annual Development Plan (ADP) for 2026/2027, the county has allocated KSh 9 million toward the Completion of Mtangawanda Market under the Department of Trade and Tourism (listed on page 131, project number 77).
Local residents have warmly welcomed this financial milestone. Mwanaisha Ali, a resident of Mtangawanda, expressed her relief, saying: “At least they have listened to us. That building will finally rise because it has been stuck at the foundation stage for so long, and it was becoming embarrassing.”
Public excitement was further highlighted during a live TikTok streaming session focused on budget awareness, facilitated by Jaffar Masoud. During the session, local participants openly rejoiced upon hearing the news that funds have finally been set aside to finish the market.
With the new budgetary provision in place, residents of Lamu East look forward to seeing accountability translated into action as the long-awaited Mtangawanda Open-Air Market finally moves toward completion.
