Government Pledges 1 Million Affordable Housing Units in Central Region
In the middle, The government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura during the media briefing at Kirinyaga Central CDF Hall.
By Aoma Keziah,
In a significant boost to the affordable housing initiative, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has announced that the government is on track to deliver one million affordable housing units within the next five years, with over 700,000 units already under construction. He highlighted that 14 of these projects are actively underway in Central Region’s five counties, collectively comprising 7,628 housing units.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mwaura emphasized the socio-economic impact of the housing projects, which currently employ an average of 2,130 workers daily on site, while an additional 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers are engaged in related off-site activities.
“These initiatives are not just about housing; they are about creating jobs and transforming lives in our communities.” He stated.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development, along with the National Housing Corporation (NHC), has allocated KShs. 1.135 billion specifically for local businesses and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. This funding is intended to support the production of essential construction materials, including steel and wooden doors, windows, and joinery, thereby fostering local economic growth.
The 14 ongoing affordable housing projects are distributed across the region as follows:Kirinyaga County: Two projects (100 units in Kirinyaga and 110 units in Gichugu),Nyeri County: Two projects (381 units at Nyeri Blue Valley and 478 units at Ruring’u)Nyandarua County: Three projects (220 units in Kinangop North, 100 units by NHC, and 420 units by the State Department) Murang’a County: One project (220 units at Makenji),Kiambu County: Six projects totaling 4,423 units, including notable developments in Ruiru, Thika, and Kikuyu.
Julia Wanjiru, a beneficiary of the program and resident of Ruiru, shared her personal story, saying that this project has kept them busy.
“No one is idle or going hungry, This project has kept us busy. The involvement has allowed me to support my family and educate my children while engaging in food sales alongside construction work.” Wanjiru stated.
The government spokesperson also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting cooperatives and MSMEs under the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA Plan). This includes initiatives like the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (N-KCC) and the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (N-KPCU), which are designed to enhance local production, provide credit, and improve overall agricultural output.
The government is also advancing water and sanitation projects, increasing national water coverage from 70% to 73% in two years. Key projects include the KShs. 23.6 billion Karimenu Water Dam in Kiambu, which serves over a million residents, and the Maragua Bulk Water Project in Murang’a, enhancing access to clean water for thousands.
In conclusion, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to inclusive growth and the eradication of poverty, stating that the government is committed to leaving no one behind as strive for economic empowerment and improved living standards across all sectors of life.
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