Hundreds of Kenyans have lauded the government’s affordable housing program as scores have benefitted from job opportunities arising from the ongoing construction works.
The affordable housing program is a cornerstone of Kenya’s vision 2030 and the government’s big four agenda aimed at addressing the growing house deficit by providing decent and affordable housing particularly for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
The program that aims to deliver 500,000 is a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that all citizens have access to safe and secure homes while stimulating local economies by creating jobs and fostering community development.
Currently the affordable housing projects are underway in multiple regions across the country consequently alleviating the burden of unemployment countrywide.
In Murang’a County construction works for 220 units in the Makenji area on the Kenol- Thika highway is in top gear.
Simon Mwangi is a testimony that the program has been beneficial to the youth and has significantly transformed their lives.
Previously struggling due to unemployment, he and 70 of his peers came together and were contracted to do welding on the units whose construction is on the homestretch.
“As a group it was seamless for us to get the welding works which have not only kept us engaged but also has provided meaningful employment for us while also securing a livelihood for our families” he noted urging the youths to unite and register groups which will give them higher bargaining power and open up more opportunities for them instead of struggling to access some of these sectors alone.
In the neighbouring Nyeri County, the situation is similarly promising with construction works for 849 units in full swing at the Ruring’u and Blue Valley areas.
Wyclife Wanyari the Project Manager Ruring’u affordable housing observes that in a day they are able to employ 200 people to carry out the various construction works.
“Of the 200 workers daily, we ensure that we bridge the gender gap by having 30 percent women whom we give an equal opportunity like their male counter parts” he said
Nancy Wambui and Peter Mwangi effortlessly carry on with the construction works despite their advancement in age.
“Despite my age I have been working in this construction site and I am grateful that I have been able to meet my needs and those of my children” says Wambui
At the time of our visit the duo was involved in transporting buckets of water for slab curing.
Mwangi urges the young people not to be choosy but to take on whatever opportunity comes their way as long as it is dignified, not in conflict with the law and earns them a decent livelihood.
The blue valley affordable housing project Manager Seth Amolo intimated that the construction works were projected to be complete in February 2026.
Students on attachment from the nearby tertiary institutions are also beneficiaries in the affordable housing program where they get their industrial attachment to learn the prerequisite skills in line with their courses as they earn sustainability from the proceeds they get.
In Kirinyaga County in the Gichugu area, construction of 110 units is nearing completion, currently standing at 95 percent.
Ireri Mwaura, a welder, notes that as a group of 25 young people they were contracted to supply the doors and windows for the units and that their lives had been greatly transformed
“The young people are engaged with no time to involve themselves in anti-social behaviours or even waste away in drinking dens and we are grateful” he said.
By Florence Kinyua
