Youths, women to be prioritized during affordable houses distribution - NHC

Youths and women in Homa Bay will be prioritized in the distribution of affordable houses, National Housing Corporation Chairman Yusuf Chanzu has said.

Chanzu said the youth and women are among the special group of Kenyans and the government wants to improve their living standards by providing for them a decent shelter.

The state through the National Housing Corporation (NHC) is implementing the construction of 400-unit affordable houses in Homa Bay town.

The project was launched by President William Ruto in January, this year.

On Tuesday, Chanzu urged the special groups to prepare and own the houses once their construction is complete.

“Construction of the Homa Bay affordable housing project is 60 per cent complete. We’re giving youths and women priority as a way of improving their living standards and safety,” Chanzu said.

The Homa Bay project is expected to be completed by February next year.

Speaking during the assessment of the project progress in Homa Bay town, Chanzu said the contractor has already procured more construction materials to enable them to complete the project in four months.

Construction of the houses is behind schedule by six weeks due to prolonged April-May rainfall and delayed delivery of building materials.

Chanzu and NHC Nyanza regional officer Joash Onguko said they have already met with clerks of works George Obara and the contractor to ensure all necessary materials are provided to complete the works on time.

The project consists of a bed sitter or studio room which will go at Sh1.5 million, a single bedroom at Sh2.5 million and a two-bedroom at Sh3.5 million.

The officials argued that the project would increase the aesthetic value of counties and provide jobs for the youths.

 “We want youths to take advantage of the affordability of the houses and buy them. The houses are cheap and affordable because they are constructed on public land,” Chanzu added.

Currently, more than 100 youths and women are employed to undertake construction work in the Homa Bay affordable housing project.

Chanzu said they will start phase 2 of the project once they get land and complete the current phase 1.