A storm has erupted online after Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga defended the cost of constructing a two-door pit latrine, saying such a project can cost up to KSh500,000 once taxes, compliance requirements, and contractual obligations are included.
The issue emerged during a Senate County Public Accounts Committee session reviewing Homa Bay County's 2024/25 financial statements. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned a pending bill of KSh348,954 linked to a latrine project at Geri Beach, prompting scrutiny over sanitation project costs.
Responding to the concerns, Governor Wanga stated that the cost of a standard two-door pit latrine typically ranges between KSh460,000 and KSh500,000, depending on location and project specifications. However, the explanation quickly triggered debate on social media, with many Kenyans questioning how a basic pit latrine could cost nearly half a million shillings.
In a bid to justify the figures, the county government released a breakdown showing that KSh80,000 goes to VAT, KSh150,000 to contractor returns, KSh15,000 to oversight and compliance, while KSh255,000 covers actual construction and excavation works.
Despite the explanation, critics argue that taxpayers deserve better value for money, especially during tough economic times. The controversy has reignited national conversations about transparency, accountability, and whether public funds are being spent efficiently across county governments.
The issue emerged during a Senate County Public Accounts Committee session reviewing Homa Bay County's 2024/25 financial statements. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned a pending bill of KSh348,954 linked to a latrine project at Geri Beach, prompting scrutiny over sanitation project costs.
Responding to the concerns, Governor Wanga stated that the cost of a standard two-door pit latrine typically ranges between KSh460,000 and KSh500,000, depending on location and project specifications. However, the explanation quickly triggered debate on social media, with many Kenyans questioning how a basic pit latrine could cost nearly half a million shillings.
In a bid to justify the figures, the county government released a breakdown showing that KSh80,000 goes to VAT, KSh150,000 to contractor returns, KSh15,000 to oversight and compliance, while KSh255,000 covers actual construction and excavation works.
Despite the explanation, critics argue that taxpayers deserve better value for money, especially during tough economic times. The controversy has reignited national conversations about transparency, accountability, and whether public funds are being spent efficiently across county governments.
