By:Faith Mukundi
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the Ministry of Housing to take corrective action and ensure the delayed Ithanga Market at Kaguku in lower Gatanga is completed within three months.
Kindiki issued the directive on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after inspecting construction works at the market and raising concern over the slow pace of implementation.
The project had reached only 17 per cent completion, with the Deputy President saying the slow progress was delaying the completion and handover of the facility to its intended beneficiaries.
“At 17% progress has been slow and is delaying the completion and hand over of this crucial facility to the beneficiaries,” Kindiki said.
He subsequently directed the Housing Ministry to intervene and address the challenges affecting the project, setting a three-month timeline for completion.
“Directed the Housing Ministry to take corrective action to ensure that the project is completed within the next three months,” he said.
The directive places the project under a tighter completion timeline as the government seeks to accelerate delivery of public infrastructure in Gatanga and across Murang’a County.
The Ithanga Market is among fresh produce market projects being implemented in Gatanga as part of a wider Housing Fund investment in Murang’a County.
Kindiki had earlier said the Housing Fund is investing Sh27 billion in the county to support the construction of 26 fresh produce markets, nine affordable housing projects and eight student accommodation hostel facilities.
Gatanga is among the constituencies benefiting from the programme, with Ndunyu Chege, Gatunyu, Ithanga, Kaguku and Gatura markets listed among the projects being supported.
The constituency is also benefiting from the Sh5.4 billion Kakuzi/Mitubiri Housing Project, which is expected to provide 2,000 homes, as well as Sh145 million for 340 beds at Gatanga Technical and Vocational College.
The inspection of the Ithanga Market came as Kindiki reviewed several ongoing development projects in Gatanga, including roads, electricity, water and irrigation initiatives.
The Deputy President said the government would fast-track ongoing projects to ensure residents receive the intended benefits, while urging implementing agencies to address delays affecting projects already under construction.