Kisumu County has handed over the old Ondiek estate to the National Housing Corporation (NHC) for a major redevelopment project.
The transfer, announced by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, serves as a settlement of a long-standing Sh900 million debt owed by the county to NHC.
The debt that was inherited from the defunct Kisumu Municipal Council was used to develop Ondiek and other estates in the lakeside city more than four decades ago.
Speaking at his office on Monday during a meeting with NHC General Manager in charge of estates, Washington Agutu, Nyong’o revealed that the redevelopment would involve demolishing the old, dilapidated houses at the estate to pave the way for the construction of modern high-rise housing units.
The project, he said, was part of a larger initiative by the county government, NHC and other partners to address the growing housing deficit in Kisumu and revitalise the city’s urban landscape.
Ondiek Estate, one of the oldest in Kisumu, has long been a symbol of the city’s housing challenges.
Established over four decades ago, the estate was originally meant for Municipal Council and national government officers.
However, over time, the estate has deteriorated, with most of its buildings now unfit for habitation.
“We have had a successful meeting with the NHC to explore key areas of collaboration, including county debt status and partnership in housing development,” he said.
“A major highlight of our discussions was the resolution of the long-standing Sh900 million dispute between the County Government of Kisumu and NHC. As part of the final settlement, we have agreed to hand over Ondiek Estate for redevelopment, paving the way for a mutually beneficial resolution that advances housing development in Kisumu,” he added.
To enhance access to affordable and modern housing in the lakeside city, Nyong’o urged NHC to partner with the county government to develop more estates in the area.
His administration, he added, was working on legislation to shape Kisumu County’s affordable housing.
“My administration remains steadfast in its commitment to quality and affordable housing, a key pillar in our vision for a modern, transformed Kisumu,” he said.
Ondiek Estate now joins the list of other old estates in the city, among them Makasembo, which is being redeveloped by LAPFUND; Anderson Estate, which is being redeveloped by LAPTRUST; and Shauri Moyo, which is being redeveloped through the National Government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
By Chris Mahandara
