Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has refuted claims that she demolished a Ksh100 million factory to make way for the construction of her office. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor labeled the allegations as inaccurate, explaining that the factory in question was torn down due to non-compliance with mandatory construction standards.

Governor Wanga clarified that the project lacked necessary approvals from key regulatory agencies, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The primary concern was the factory’s location, approximately 300 meters from Kabunde Airstrip, placing it directly on the flight path.

"Animal feed manufacturing was incompatible with the flight path and posed a risk of bird strikes. The area has since been re-planned under the Physical Planning Act," Governor Wanga explained.

She further disclosed that the animal feeds project has been relocated to the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Riwa Special Economic Zone. The original factory, which had been left unfinished since its initiation in 2014, had deteriorated and become a ghost project over time.

The governor also addressed the cost of the building, dismissing reports that it was constructed for Ksh100 million. She emphasized that her administration decommissioned the project as part of an effort to repurpose or complete unfinished projects from previous administrations to maximize the value of public funds.

Governor Wanga called on the media to report objectively and to seek all sides of a story before publishing such claims. "If our input had been sought, this additional information would have been readily available," she stated.

"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.