Kisumu city is set for a major housing revolution following the groundbreaking of the Sh5 billion Anderson estate.
The project, funded by the Local Authorities Pensions Trust (LAPTRUST) and the County Provident Fund (CPF), will see over 1,200 affordable units constructed to bridge the shortage of housing in the lakeside city.
According to the project’s architect, Peter Wasilwa, the blocks which will go up to the 16th floor comprise a mix of one bedroom, two bedrooms, and three bedroom units, offering a feeling of modern living.
Wasilwa said the units have been designed to face the Nandi escarpments and Lake Victoria, adding that once completed, residents will have exclusive views of the best scenery Kisumu can offer.
The project, he added, comes with parking lots, green spaces, commercial shops, a swimming pool, and a health centre.
He added that Ngumbi Road, which leads to the project, will be beautified with pedestrian walkways and street lighting.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o said the project was a big milestone and will offer employment opportunities for the locals through the supply of building materials and services.
Prof. Nyong’o said the project will be delivered in two phases, adding that once completed, the units will be sold for Sh7 million (3 bedrooms) and Sh4 million (two bedrooms and shops).
“This project embodies our collective ambition to uplift the lives of Kisumu residents. It is a concrete step towards realising the broader objectives of our agenda by creating jobs, reducing poverty, and improving health and wellbeing,” he said.
LAPTRUST Chief Executive Officer Hosea Kili said the project was in response to the rising demand for housing units in urban areas, which stands at 250,000 units annually against an estimated supply of 50, 000.
This, he said, presents an opportunity for pension funds to provide decent and affordable housing to stimulate economic growth and spur industrial growth.
“We at LAPTRUST and CPF strongly believe in leading the way in coming up with innovative ways of solving problems for the benefit of our members as well as stakeholders,” he said.
Besides reducing the housing shortage gap in Kisumu, the Anderson Affordable Housing project, he said, will boost revenues for the county government through land rates.
He asked the contractor, who has 24 months to complete the project, to source construction materials locally and give 40% of the non-skilled labour opportunities to the community.
By Chris Mahandara and Regina Wairimu
