An unused vegetable market in Ndaragwa town, Nyandarua County, has become a hideout for criminals, nearly a decade after its construction stalled due to a Sh16 million unpaid bill.
The facility, built to serve as a central selling point for vegetable farmers from Aberdare and Nyandarua North sub-counties, remains non-operational—its promise of economic empowerment left in ruins. Now, locals, traders, and contractors are calling on the government to act swiftly and resolve the payment stalemate.
“Because of the delay in settling the pending bill that amounts to Sh16 million, the contractors pulled out of the site, exposing the project to vandalism and illegal occupation,” said Lawrence Gichohi, a local trader.
A spot check by KBC at the site showed several rooms in the market converted into makeshift homes, complete with utensils and mattresses.
“The market has become a hideout for criminals,” lamented Joseph Kamuhu, a concerned parent. “Children who attend a nearby school and people walking home fear passing near the facility after sunset for fear of being attacked.”
Originally envisioned to boost agribusiness and attract buyers from Nyeri, Nyahururu, Rumuruti, and even Nakuru, the market now stands idle, a symbol of unfulfilled potential.
“Traders from other counties were expected to flock to Ndaragwa to buy vegetables. This was a missed opportunity,” noted Elijah King’ori, a local farmer.
The two contractors who built the market, Harun Maina and Stephen Maina, say they have endured years of financial and emotional hardship after the government failed to honor its payment obligations.
“We are being tossed from one government office to another,” said Harun Maina. “I cannot believe my property was auctioned and even listed in a local daily for grab, yet we completed the project on time as mandated by the government — and still, no payment.”
His colleague Stephen Maina painted a similarly grim picture. “When the young men whom we had given jobs spot us, they come running, hoping to be paid their dues — only to find we are still in a deep mess,” he said.
Stephen added that the delay has had far-reaching social consequences: “The young men have had it really rough too. Some young couples have disintegrated, with their wives believing we paid them and they squandered the money — which is not the case at all.”
The contractors also noted that key government officers they were dealing with have since exited the civil service.
“Most of them left either through retirement or attrition, and now no one wants to take responsibility,” said Harun.
Residents and stakeholders now want urgent intervention from the national and county governments to clear the outstanding bills and restore the market to its intended use.
“This market was supposed to transform livelihoods. Now it’s just a ruin and a threat to our safety,” concluded Kamuhu.
