The government has launched the construction of some 1000 houses in Ol Kalou town, Nyandarua County, under the affordable housing project.
The first phase will see the construction of some 100 houses, according to Lands and Public Works Cabinet Secretary Zackary Njeru, who launched the programme.
Mr. Njeru noted that it is expected that the first phase will be completed in the next one year.
This, he said, will give the people of Nyandarua, who have been facing housing problems, a solution.
“This is one of the promises made by President William Ruto on the affordable housing programme. We have identified Nyandarua as one of the counties to benefit, “noted Njeru.
He said that the government was ready to supply the region with other amenities, like hospitals, in the areas where the houses will be constructed.
“These are the benefits that will come with the affordable housing project. We are committed as the department to making sure that these projects are completed in collaboration with the county government,” he noted.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha hailed the move, saying that it will also improve the economy of the county as well as provide houses for the poor.
Badilisha regretted that most of his staff have been commuting from other towns like Nakuru and Nyahururu.
“We have a real problem with housing, especially here in Ol Kalou, which is the county headquarters.
“This will now be a game-changer for our people, especially our staff. We want to thank the government for this initiative. We promise to give our full support to the contractor”, he said.
Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, who was also present, noted that the project will provide hundreds of jobs to the youth.
“This is one of the solutions to the issue of joblessness in our county. We have enough expertise, and we urge the contractor to make use of it,” he said.
National Housing Corporation Chief Executive Officer David Mathu said that they will make sure that the project is completed on time.
“We want to assure residents that the project does not turn out to be a white elephant. We have good plans to see that the project is completed on time,” he said.
By Antony Mwangi
