The construction of 220 affordable housing units in the Makenji area of Murang’a County is 45 per cent complete.
The completion of the houses located along the Kenol-Thika highway was slated to be complete by October this year, but the progress, according to Murang’a County Director of Housing Laureen Wasungu, was delayed by March-April heavy rains.
In an interview with KNA on Monday, Wasungu noted construction of the houses commenced in November 2023, and the contractor has applied to get an extension of time so as to complete the houses by early next year.
“We hope the contractor will get an extension of time, but the construction progress is on course. Soon the houses will be completed and ready for occupation.” She observed.
Currently, the director said the contractor is putting slabs for the third floor of the nine blocks, which, at completion, each will have five floors.
“The units consist of 60 bedsitters, 100 two-bedrooms, and 60 three-bedrooms. The houses occupy a two-acre piece of land in Kandara Sub County,” said Wasungu.
Murang’a is slated to have about 10, 000 affordable house units by 2032, with the Ministry of Housing working to commence construction of the houses in other constituencies.
“The identified land for construction of 764 units at Makuyu area in Maragua constituency has been handed over to the contractor. Construction is expected to kick off once remaining preparations are done.” She added.
Wasungu continued, “In Gatanga constituency, 2, 000 affording housing units are set to be constructed on about 30-acre land near the offices of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. The contractor is expected to be on ground before the end of this year.”
The director said the construction site has provided direct employment of about 300 workers, saying the project has also availed job opportunities to hundreds indirectly.
“Doors, window panels, and other housing fitting items will be sourced locally, thus providing job opportunities to local residents,” she stated.
Other constituencies in Murang’a where the government has identified land to construct affordable houses include Kiharu and Kangema.
The sites for the houses in the two constituencies are expected to be handed over to contractors by next year, and each is expected to host about 200 units.
“We are still looking for suitable areas to build affordable houses in Mathioya and Kigumo constituencies,” observed Wasungu.
By Bernard Munyao
