Traders at Kisumu's Lake Basin Mall, a Sh4.2 billion project, can now occupy their spaces following a board decision to permit partial use after a two-year delay. Lake Basin Development Authority Chairman Calvince Owidi confirmed the move, stating the facility passed inspection and was deemed safe for immediate occupancy while completion work continues.
The mall's opening had been stalled since 2017 amid investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission into its budget. Authorities previously projected annual rental income of Sh230 million and secured agreements with major retailers including Carrefour, Shoprite, and Choppies. Creditors had threatened legal action to recover unpaid debts, but Owidi said Treasury interventions resolved key obstacles.
The project's delayed inauguration coincided with ongoing scrutiny of its financial management. While the authority emphasized progress, unresolved issues surrounding its completion and governance remain under review.
