•The project will be delivered using a contractor model- where the development of the affordable housing units will be undertaken at a cost of Sh5,752,956,230.70
•It will be completed in January next year.
Image: FAITH MATETE
The government has said over 2,000 affordable units in Kisumu Central will address the housing shortage.
A presidential brief by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development said the Lumumba Affordable Housing Project is a 2,384-unit residential project.
“The land belonged to the County Government of Kisumu and was formerly a brownfield with dilapidated houses belonging to the County Government. The Project Affected Persons were compensated to facilitate their relocation from the area in March 2024,” part of the brief says.
The project will be delivered using a contractor model- where the development of the affordable housing units will be undertaken at a cost of Sh5,752,956,230.70
It will be completed in January next year.
“The project integrates social housing, affordable housing, and affordable market housing units. The social housing units are 452 (19 per cent), the affordable housing units are 1192 (50 per cent) while the market housing units are 740 (31 per cent).”
The associated infrastructure will include two waste receptacles, three guard houses, play areas, and parking spaces.
The state department's brief says the project is located close to the town centre which has all amenities in terms of schools, commercial centres, hospitals, and social recreational areas.
The site is also next to Kaloleni Muslim Primary School and close to United Mall and Kisumu Polytechnic.
“The foremost advantage of the Affordable Housing Program lies in its capacity to provide economically affordable housing options for the population in Kisumu Central Constituency. By facilitating access to decent and affordable homes, the program paves the way for improved living conditions and housing security for low and middle-income families, reducing the burden of accessing decent housing.”
As the Affordable Housing Programme takes shape, the State Department says it will necessitate the development of critical infrastructure and utilities.
Some of the infrastructure and utilities include roads, water supply, sewage systems, and electricity, fostering overall community development and sustainable urban planning.
Jobs will also be created, a move that will enhance economic growth.
“The Affordable Housing Programme will act as a catalyst for economic growth in Kisumu Central Constituency. The construction and development phase will generate employment opportunities, attracting skilled and unskilled labour to the region. The project currently employs an average of 92 labourers daily.”
The project will also enhance social inclusivity and empowerment.
“A thriving community is built upon inclusivity and empowerment. Through the Affordable Housing Programme, marginalized groups and vulnerable populations in Kisumu Central Constituency will have an equal opportunity to own or rent homes, promoting social cohesion and equitable access to housing resources.”
The brief says providing permanent and stable housing solutions will foster a sense of belonging and ownership within the community.
It says stronger social ties are forged as families establish roots in the neighbourhood, leading to vibrant and cohesive communities.
The project will also improve the quality of life.
With access to safe, secure, and well-designed housing, the health and well-being of residents in Kisumu Central Constituency are expected to improve.
Children will have conducive environments for learning, and families can thrive in a setting that promotes safety and comfort.