- Affordable housing: Government says 8,807 units are complete, with 198,726 under construction.
- Student housing: 37,347 units are being built to accommodate over 130,000 learners.
- Nandi projects: 24 projects worth Sh15.7 billion are underway, including housing, hostels and markets.
The government has defended the progress of the Affordable Housing Programme, saying thousands of housing units have already been completed while more projects remain under construction across the country.
Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary (PS) Charles Hinga said 8,807 affordable housing units have been completed, with another 198,726 units at various stages of construction.
He added that the government is also building 23,200 institutional and staff housing units, alongside 37,347 student accommodation units expected to house more than 130,000 learners.
Hinga made the remarks at the end of a two-day inspection tour of affordable housing and market projects in Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties. He was accompanied by Affordable Housing Board CEO Joe Mutugu, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and other leaders.
PS Hinga urged Kenyans to disregard criticism surrounding the programme, maintaining that the projects are progressing as planned and will enable more citizens to own homes.
“The Government has provided you with an opportunity to become a homeowner regardless of your social economic background. Don’t listen to fake declarations by politicians some of them used to praise this Affordable Housing program when they were in Government, now they are telling you not to buy. They only serve their own selfish interests,” said Hinga.
He expressed confidence that ongoing housing projects in the two counties would be completed within the set timelines ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Besides housing projects, the delegation inspected several Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets, including those in Kesses, Matharu and Eldoret, which are expected to improve trading conditions for small-scale businesses.
Hinga said the modern markets are being equipped with facilities such as social halls, ICT centres, lactation rooms, children’s play areas, cold storage facilities and improved sanitation to enhance the business environment for traders.
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Delegation members also toured affordable housing developments in Pioneer, Kidiwa, Eldoret Railway City and Kimumu in Uasin Gishu County, where thousands of housing units are under construction.
Affordable Housing Board CEO Joe Mutugu said the projects demonstrate the impact of the Housing Levy, noting that thousands of housing and student accommodation units, as well as modern markets, are under construction in Nandi County alone.
“The levy has helped the Board achieve tangible results where 2,685 Affordable housing units, 4,680 student housing units and 15 Modern and ESP markets are under construction in Nandi County alone.”
Mutugu said the projects have created employment opportunities for local residents, opened business opportunities for contractors and supported the Jua Kali sector through the supply of construction materials.
“In Nandi County we are financing about 24 projects worth an estimated Ksh 15.7 billion, leaving a lasting infrastructure change for future generations. These projects are there for everyone to see.”
Officials also inspected student housing developments at Kaiboi Polytechnic and Mosoriot Kenya Medical Training College during the tour, where new hostels are expected to ease accommodation shortages.
Hinga said expanding student housing remains a priority, arguing that improved accommodation will provide learners with a safer and more conducive environment during their studies.
Modern markets are also under construction in Kapsabet, Nandi Hills, Kaptumo and Kabujoi, with residents encouraged to register on the Boma Yangu platform to access upcoming affordable housing projects in the region.
By Jonathan Mwinzi
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