The National Construction Authority (NCA) under the Ministry of Lands, Public works, Housing and Urban Development is set to build a modern Centre for Construction Industry Development (CCID) on 6.4 acres at the Konza Techno-Polis in Machakos.
The Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Public Works Alice Wahome revealed while visiting the earmarked site for CCID, a subsidiary for NCA at Konza.
She said they already have designs and are ready to start the construction of the Modern Center which will have a research facility for quality and affordable building materials and a Centre of excellence for up-skilling.
Wahome who presided over the handover of the parcel noted that the NCA Board and Konza Board have had deliberations and NCA is now authorized by way of lease agreement by Konza to take over 6.4 acres for developing of the CCID that is to start phase one with 2.4 acres estimated to cost Sh 3billion in three years.
She added that the Modern Centre will have a broad-based research facility for cheaper affordable materials that will go into the construction industry, adoption of current trends and ensuring quality is not compromised.
“We intend to build a Modern Centre for CCID for Research training on alternative building materials, capacity building, innovative and current technologies,” said CS Wahome.
The CS estimated the whole project to cost Sh 9billion which is likely to change over the years however, there will be a return on investment since they also plan to construct a Conference facility, Training Institute and accommodation at the CCID.
Konza CEO John Okwiri said they are encouraging more investors to come on board since 100 acres has already been allocated to various investors who are in different stages of construction and more parcels are available for other private investors.
Okwiri hailed the government on achieving its mandate on ensuring most infrastructures at Konza are complete and also for allocating 1000 units of Affordable housing at Konza for phase one to start this month and 2000 units for phase two which will ensure the population at Konza will have access to secure and comfortable homes.
By Anne Kangero
