Affordable Housing
The over Sh 1 billion affordable housing projects in Bahati and Molo sub-counties in Nakuru, are 60 per cent complete. The projects which are scheduled to be completed in November 2024 are part of plans by the government to construct more than 50,000 low-cost housing units in the county within the next 10 years.
President William Ruto launched the construction of the more than 220 housing units which will cost Sh504 million in Bahati Sub-County on August 22, 2023. Another 220 housing units at Elburgon town in Molo Sub-County will also cost Sh 504 million once completed.
Speaking after a tour of the sites Governor Susan Kihika indicated that the two sites will also host recreational areas for children, green spaces, schools and healthcare facilities. Governor Kihika indicated that the two multimillion projects that cumulatively sit on 10-acres of land have created employment for over 1000 residents.
She said those who have benefited from job opportunities include mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, steel fixers, carpenters and welders, adding that the projects have been a hub for technology transfer that has empowered workers and residents.
“The housing projects have become a hub of knowledge and skill transfer for self-development and empowerment. An example is Ms Anne Njoki who started as a casual labourer, and has gradually graduated to a steel fixer supervisor,” stated the Governor.
She added “The housing projects have also created job opportunities for the local residents and once completed, are expected to provide much needed housing for the residents of Bahati and Elburgon as well as contribute to the economic development of the areas,”.
The County boss observed that the projects have yielded an opportunity for masons, carpenters and other skilled workers to be registered and accredited by the National Construction Authority (NCA). She noted that accreditation by NCA will facilitate skilled workers to get jobs in other State agencies or private construction projects within and outside Kenya.
Kihika said that locals have been economically empowered as national and county governments have been awarding tenders for construction materials to small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) instead of importing them.
She said the two projects employ at least 200 youths every day as the personnel keep changing depending on the tasks performed. Ms Kihika explained that the two projects will each consist of 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units.
“We do not want people to come here and buy houses to rent them to you. We want people to buy houses and own them, including Mama Mbogas,” said the Governor. She further said that the projects will have social amenities area, social halls, kids playing areas, commercial areas and tree nurseries.
Chief Officer of Housing and Urban Development Kamau Kuria said the acquired skills were crucial as the county plans to accredit local artisans through a collaborative effort with the NCA. He was optimistic that the affordable housing project will not only promote economic gain through employment but also boost development in the area.
This comes as the government completed the construction of 605 affordable housing units on an 8.5-acre land in Bondeni slums.
The housing project comprises 45 one-bedroom houses which will be sold for Sh1.55 million, 180 two-bedroom units which will go for Sh3.25 million and 380 three-bedroom units which will cost Sh4.3 million per unit.
President Ruto said the next housing project in Kivumbini will comprise 5,000 houses.