The government is currently constructing 927 affordable housing units worth 1.8 billion in Kisii County as part of providing decent, safe and affordable housing for citizens of Kenya.
According to the Nyanza Regional Director of Housing and Urban Development Jared Buoga, the project is being implemented in Nyaribari Masaba, Ogembo and Nyanchwa areas and is expected to be complete by July 2025.
Mr. Buoga noted the project has a number of benefits including job creation and they anticipate that the contractors will deploy local workers including masons, carpenters, steel fixers, plumbers, electricians and even unskilled workers.
“We are expecting upto 120 workers per day at the project sites to match the units and these are employment opportunities that our President has been championing,” he said.
The Regional Director affirmed they are keen on ensuring that the employment opportunities are given to the young people and they must come from within the project catchment area.
Buoga pointed out that the certification of artisans on site was crucial and they would liaise with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to recognize prior learning among the workers.
In addition, he noted that they will push for the registration of the workers on site through the National Construction Authority (NCA) and Juakali Association to ensure that they are recognized with the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) and can supply items like hinges, windows and doors to the project.
“The government has put in place projects that impact the young people and ensure that as the projects are being implemented, there are direct benefits to the young people and women as well as indirect benefits that locals will enjoy,” said Buoga.
The Regional Director assured the residents that the contractors were capable of delivering the project on time adding that they will be constantly monitoring the projects together with the county’s implementation team to ensure it is delivered on time and to the expected quality.
Further, he called for continuous collaboration with the county government and the implementation committee that brings all the stakeholders together including Members of the National and County Assemblies, ward administrators, NCA, MSEA, NITA and all other facilitative institutions that support the affordable housing project.
Buoga said the involvement of all stakeholders was crucial, especially in sites such as Nyanchwa where the previous occupants were asked to seek accommodation in other places as they wait to benefit from the completed project.
“We do not have displacement issues, like here in Nyanchwa, they were given appropriate notices to seek accommodation elsewhere and ultimately, they will be beneficiaries of the houses through the Boma Yangu platform,” he confirmed.
Similarly, the Regional Director said the government was in the process of taking back the Ekerubo site in Nyaribari Masaba as it was acquired procedurally by the previous occupants.
“The site is located on government land and if you acquired it unprocedurally, the best thing to do is to hand over the parcel of land. The various government agencies are handling the cases firmly and in a well-coordinated manner,” he affirmed.
The Regional Director was speaking during a tour of the Affordable Housing and Economic Stimulus Projects within the county.
Last week, President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the affordable housing project in Ogembo Sub County, marking the commencement of a project poised to bring transformative economic and social benefits to the community.
In his remarks, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan has access to affordable housing.
He lauded the initiative as a vital component of the national agenda aimed at improving the living standards of citizens and stimulating economic growth.
“This project is a cornerstone of our broader strategy to provide affordable housing to all Kenyans. It reflects our dedication to tackling the housing deficit and ensuring that every citizen has access to decent and affordable accommodation,” the President affirmed.
The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has set aside 2.1 billion worth of investment in Affordable Housing and associated infrastructure in Kisii.
The Associated Infrastructure totalling to Sh. 306 million include the construction of five Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) markets in Etago (Sh. 56 million), Motonto and Ramasha clustered under one project (Sh. 140 million) and Egetuki and Masimba also clustered as one project (Sh. 110 million).
Kisii County Director of Housing Linet Nyakiti who was part of the touring team noted that markets are complementary to communities and those who had been displaced would still benefit from trading spaces and better working conditions.
She confirmed they will continue to engage with the business community over the ESP markets which were proposed by the leadership of Kisii, both national and county assemblies and thereafter, vetted by the county government of Kisii.
“The displacement is temporary because the markets will be done within a period of six months and sooner, the traders will get back on their feet to do business,” said Nyakiti.
Notably, local leaders and residents of Kisii have welcomed the project, expressing optimism about the positive impact it will have on the community.
Many believe that the initiative will not only provide much-needed housing but also serve as a catalyst for further development in the region.
Bomachoge Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Alfah Miruka emphasized the projects’ potential to create employment opportunities for the young people hence, offering a pathway for their financial independence.
The MP appreciated the diverse professionals that would be involved in the project including plumbers, masons, artisans, architects, civil, mechanical, and structural engineers.
He also pointed out the broader economic benefits that the project would bring to constituents. He noted that sourcing construction materials locally would significantly boost the area’s economy.
“By using locally sourced raw materials, we are not only ensuring the affordability of the houses but also enhancing the economic well-being of our region. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment,” Miruka said.
Similarly, during a recent public participation, Nominated Member of Kisii County Assembly Lilian Gor also commended the project for ensuring any Kenyan was eligible for the affordable houses as long as they are able to pay a 10 percent deposit of the value of the house and subsequently make payments for the house they acquire.
She urged the private developers implementing the project to incorporate the youth, women and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) by tapping into their skills in terms of employment or sub-contracts. “As Kisii County, we are supporting the President’s affordable housing agenda as it will provide decent housing to low-income families,” added another participant, David Onsongo.
By Mercy Osongo and Alfred Misheba
