The more than Sh1 billion affordable housing projects in Bahati and Molo subcounties in Nakuru are 60 per cent complete.
The projects, scheduled to be completed in November this year, are 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, which will cost Sh504 million in Bahati on August 22, 2023.
Another 220 housing units in Elburgon town, Molo, will also cost Sh504 million.
Speaking after a tour of the sites, Governor Susan Kihika said the two sites will host recreational areas for children, green spaces, schools and healthcare facilities.
Governor Kihika said the two projects that cumulatively sit on 10 acres have created employment for more than 1,000 residents.
She said those who have benefited from job opportunities include mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, steel fixers, carpenters and welders.
The projects have been a hub for technology transfer that has empowered workers and residents.
“The housing projects have become a hub of knowledge and skills transfer for self-development and empowerment. An example is Anne Njoki, who started as a casual labourer but has gradually graduated to a steel fixer supervisor,” Kihika said.
“The housing projects have also created job opportunities for residents and once completed, are expected to provide housing for Bahati and Elburgon residents as well as contribute to development.”
Kihika said the projects have yielded an opportunity for masons, carpenters and other skilled workers to be registered and accredited by the National Construction Authority (NCA).
She said accreditation by NCA will facilitate skilled workers to get jobs in other state agencies or private construction projects in and outside Kenya.
Kihika said residents have been economically empowered as national and county governments have been awarding tenders for construction materials to small and medium-size enterprises instead of importing them.
She said the two projects employ at least 200 youths every day as the personnel keep changing depending on the tasks performed.
Kihika said the two projects will each consist 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units.
“We do not want people to come here and buy houses to rent them out. We want people to buy houses and own them, including mama mbogas,” the governor said.
She said the projects will have social amenities area, social halls, children playing areas, commercial areas and tree nurseries.
Housing and urban development chief officer Kamau Kuria said the acquired skills were crucial as the county plans to accredit artisans through a collaborative effort with the NCA.
He was optimistic the affordable housing project will not only promote economic gain through employment but also boost development in the area.
This comes as the government completed the construction of 605 affordable housing units on 8.5 acres in Bondeni slums.
The housing project comprises 45 one-bedroom houses to be sold for Sh1.55 million, 180 two-bedroom units going for Sh3.25 million and 380 three-bedroom units, which will cost Sh4.3 million per unit.
Ruto said the next housing project in Kivumbini will comprise 5,000 houses.