Homa Bay County Government has clarified concerns raised over the KSh500,000 cost of constructing two-door pit latrines in public markets, following questions sparked by Governor Gladys Wanga’s appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee.

The issue arose after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna questioned the cost of a two-door pit latrine at Ngere Beach in Kaksingri West Ward, where county records showed a pending bill of KSh348,954.

Responding before the committee, Wanga said the average cost of constructing a two-door pit latrine is about KSh500,000, although the amount may vary depending on the location and soil conditions.

“The standard cost is about half a million shillings. That covers excavation and construction. The cost is thereabouts. It is an average cost of KSh500,000, but when contracting, it can go for KSh480,000 or KSh460,000, depending on where you are building it and the soil structure,” Wanga said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the county government said the KSh500,000 figure should not be viewed as the amount paid directly to contractors.

“Fact check: Under our laws and the PFM Act the 500,000 is not all cash to a contractor,” the county stated.

According to the county, the amount is subject to several deductions, including KSh80,000 in VAT remitted to KRA, KSh150,000 as a guaranteed minimum return on investment to the contractor, and KSh15,000 for oversight and compliance, leaving KSh255,000 for the actual construction works.

“That is the modest amount left for pitting and constructing a two door latrine after statutory deductions and legal returns. Do the math before the noise,” the statement added.

The county further noted that pit latrines have helped improve access to sanitation for traders operating in rural markets, beaches and other public spaces, adding that Homa Bay is among counties ranked by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics as having better access to sanitation services.