If completed, the modern Kajiado town library will not only be a centre of knowledge but also one of the most artistic buildings in the sleepy town that hosts the county headquarters.
However, for the last 11 years, since the project was commissioned by the County Government of Kajiado on April 20, 2015, it has continued to court controversy, with the most recent being its roof stripped off and the alleged discarded iron sheets carted away, signalling that learners will have to wait longer.
In August 2025, Nation highlighted the stalled mega project, but a spot check eight months later indicated the dire state of the abandoned site.
A section of the 11-year-old, stalled giant library in Kajiado town, showing ripped-off roofing, on April 14 2026.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation
The illegible project signpost bears the toll of years under the scorching sun. The towering, stalled library is partially covered by unkempt acacia trees, which host several birds’ nests. In a few months, if unchecked, some of the trees may outgrow the height of the building.
Since the last visit, scrub and grass have grown rapidly, indicating minimal activity. A semi-permanent guard or caretaker’s house is tucked near the compound gate, but no one was present when Nation visited.
Inside, the structural pillars stand intact, ushering visitors into multiple pitch-dark verandahs and staircases leading to the first and second floors. In some sections, the paint has faded and is peeling. The cooing of doves that have made a temporary home reverberates, occasionally interrupted by the flutter of startled birds.
Contrary to the previous visit, the roof has been removed, with exposed steel structures showing signs of corrosion. In one corner, several damaged iron sheets were heaped together.
Mr John Kitili, a boda boda rider operating a few metres from the library, said a group of youths descended on the site in late December 2025 and removed the roofing before carting away the iron sheets.
“In the morning, we saw youths removing the iron sheets before they were carried away in a truck. We did not recognise them, but they seemingly had approval from the county,” said Mr Kitili. “This is a shame, especially when the county claims to support formal education.”
Some of the damaged, discarded iron sheets left in one corner of the stalled Kajiado Town Library on April 14 2026.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation
The mega library complex was designed to include a cultural centre, resource centre, ICT block, recreation facility and children’s training unit—the first of its kind in the vast county, which spans both rural and metropolitan areas.
The digitally enabled centre, initially slated for completion within 20 months, was to be equipped with high-speed internet to allow locals online access. The library was also designed to have both adult and children’s sections.
Additionally, the facility was to support mobile libraries in rural parts of Kajiado, connected to the main library to cultivate a reading culture and improve literacy levels. It was also expected to create employment.
Kajiado County’s adult literacy rate is estimated at about 70 per cent, with 30 per cent of adults unable to read and write, according to county records.
Annual Early Childhood Education (ECD) enrolment and retention increased from 37,687 in 2017 to 43,005 in 2022, representing about 70 per cent of eligible children. However, the culture of reading remains low.
“This library ought to serve both urban and rural readers, but it remains an unrealised dream. As Governor Lenku serves his second term, it is prudent that he fast-tracks its completion for the sake of hundreds of Kajiado residents waiting to benefit,” said resident Moses Kasaine.
Acacia trees overshadow the stalled Kajiado Town Library in this photo taken on April 14 2026.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation
However, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Vocational Training, Youth and Sports, Ms Janet Sereu, said the roof had been leaking and caving in, necessitating replacement.
“The roof had been installed by the initial contractor, whose contract was terminated. The new contractor removed the roofing in preparation for a new roof, which will require additional funding,” said Ms Sereu, without providing figures or timelines for the new scope of work.
The CECM was, however, evasive on the cost of the new roof, the whereabouts of the removed iron sheets, and why the roof was removed without an immediate replacement plan, leaving the exposed steel structure at risk of corrosion. Questions from locals centre on accountability, transparency and value for taxpayers’ money.
In 2020, the Senate’s Public Accounts and Investments Committee (PAIC) summoned Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku over the project, where he admitted there were several challenges affecting his predecessor’s project but assured the committee that the issues had since been resolved.
A section of the 11-year-old, stalled giant library in Kajiado town, showing ripped-off roofing, on April 14 2026.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation
A report by then Auditor-General Edward Ouko, tabled in the Senate, questioned how a company, M/S Tynen Ltd, was paid Sh110.7 million, including Sh11.2 million for works not done.
The report also queried how Sh2.8 million was disbursed to the contractor for uncertified works. In total, the project has consumed Sh149.7 million in public funds.
According to the County Assembly of Kajiado records, the project was further allocated Sh25 million in the 2022/2023 financial year.
