Sh504m affordable housing project takes shape in Nakuru

The Sh504 million affordable housing project in Bahati sub-county, Nakuru. [Daniel Chege, Standard] The Sh504 million affordable housing project in Bahati sub-county, Nakuru, is 20 per cent complete. The project which is expected to be completed in July 2024 is 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 on August 22, 2023. Speaking during a recent site visit, Senior Housing Director Richard Tuta said the project on 2.5-acre land, has created employment for over 500 residents. Tuta said among those employed are mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, steel fixers, carpenters and welders. "Masons, carpenters and other skilled workers also get an opportunity to be registered and accredited under the National Construction Authority (NCA)," he said. He announced that the registration under NCA will enable skilled workers to secure jobs in other government or private construction projects in and outside Kenya. Tuta said the project will be a centre for technology transfer that will empower workers and residents. The senior housing director revealed that the national and county governments will award tenders for construction materials to small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) instead of importing them. Peter Kamau, the Assistant Quantity Surveyor of the project said they employ at least 100 youths every day as the personnel keep changing depending on the tasks performed. He revealed that despite human labour challenges affecting the speed of construction, they estimate that the houses will be ready by July 2024. "It is a 12-month project expected to end in November 2024 but we aim at completing it by July 2024. The time frame will create employment for more skilled men and women in the county," he said. Kamau noted that the 220 housing units will consist of 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units. He further said that the project will have social amenities area, social hall, kids playing areas, commercial area and a tree nursery. Kamau noted that the biggest challenge in the construction work is drain fall and heavy rains that have slowed down the project. 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. Deputy County Commissioner Nakuru North Evans Gicharu said the creation of employment opportunities had reduced petty crimes in the area. He noted that illicit brew that had been a menace in the area has also ceased as most youths have gotten employed under casual or skilled labourers in the project. "Small businesses within the construction site are flourishing. At the moment, every business is booming," said Gicharu. This comes as the government embarks on 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. "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 Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika at a past event. President Ruto said the next housing project in Kivumbini will comprise 5,000 houses.

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