- The project comprises 60 bedsitters, 60 three-bedroom, 60 two-bedroom and 40 one-bedroom units.
- It also aims to uplift the socioeconomic status of communities, especially the Jua Kali sector through the provision of inputs required for the construction of the houses.
The construction of 220 houses under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) in Machakos county is nearing completion, Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Lead, State Department for Housing, Don Kagicha has said.
Kagicha said the project valued at Sh515 million is on course and is expected to be completed in September.
The project comprises 60 bedsitters, 60 three-bedroom, 60 two-bedroom and 40 one-bedroom units.
“We have around 48 weeks to complete the project that started in September last year. Construction works on the majority of the blocks are complete and others are nearing completion. By September the project should be done, “he said.
Speaking during a meeting with local Jua Kali artisans at the project site in Machakos, Kagicha implored the residents to register for the houses and secure units for buying.
“Since the houses are nearing completion, this is the best time to register either through the Boma Yangu website or by dialling *832# on the mobile phones for those that cannot access the website.
"We will also be conducting an open day to showcase the houses to the public once they are finished,” Kagicha said.
He hailed the project for spurring social economic growth in the region through employment opportunities and local sourcing of raw materials for the construction.
“The project currently has 150 employees on a daily basis. The Jua Kali sector in Machakos will supply the 1,000 doors and 800 windows required in the project,” Kagicha said.
Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSME)Inclusion Lead, State Department for Housing Melita Kipury reiterated that AHP provides dignified and affordable houses for Kenyans.
It also aims to uplift the socioeconomic status of communities, especially the Jua Kali sector through the provision of inputs required for the construction of the houses.
Kipury said all contractors for the project will source certain inputs like steel doors and windows, wooden frames and flash doors from the local Jua Kali artisans regardless of the location.
They are not permitted to import or purchase inputs from large players in the industry.
“One of the key aspects of the project is Jua Kali inclusion and one of the approaches used is ring-fencing by ensuring that once the project is designed certain inputs are earmarked to be done by the local Jua Kali communities,” he said.
Kipury noted that through the inclusion of the Jua Kali sector, the government intends to support and grow the industry economically.
“Through this initiative, the sector will grow to be more formalised and more equipped for mass production. Micro enterprises will move to smaller and eventually medium enterprises,” the MSME lead said.
He allayed any doubts about the capacity of the Jua Kali artisans to provide the inputs required for the project across the country.
“The sector has the capacity both in resources and workmanship required for mass production and supply of materials required for the project on time. There is the potential, commitment and the desire from the sector to supply the inputs,” Kipury said.
Charles Kituku, from the Small and Micro Enterprises Authority Machakos branch, said more than 300 Jua Kali artisans from the area were contracted to provide doors and windows for the housing project.
“This project will uplift the Jua Kali sector in Machakos and we have the potential to supply all the windows and doors required,” he said.
Kituku said that the artisans have the capacity to provide the right quality materials according to the specifications given by the contractor.