Inside Ruto's Alego Usonga affordable housing project in Siaya

President William Ruto on Friday laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Alego Usonga Affordable Housing Project as his tour of the Nyanza region, which ends on Saturday, entered the third day.

The 882-unit residential facility, equipped with essential amenities and infrastructure, will offer better living standards for mixed-income households within the Alego Usonga constituency in Siaya County.

The construction, which commenced in July, is being undertaken by Padaa Enterprises Limited and supervised by Scenic Systems Limited.

The foundation works for the 12-month project that’s projected to be completed in July 2025 are ongoing, with progress at different levels.

The social housing units are 1-3 bedroom houses, the affordable housing units comprise studios, and 2 and 3-bedroom houses; while the market rate housing units comprise 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.

The project will cost Sh2.059 billion, inclusive of Sh140,000,000 worth of fittings comprising steel doors, windows, balustrades, curtain rods, and landscaping services to be provided by the local Jua Kali and MSMEs.

“The State Department shall work with local TVETs, the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, local Jua Kali clusters, and the County Government Departments to facilitate the Jua Kali in the production of these goods and services to the highest standards required by the contractor and future homeowners at this project,” the President’s brief on the project reads in part.

The President noted that the housing project will bring with it a myriad of socioeconomic benefits by necessitating the development of critical infrastructure and utilities such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and electricity.

This is besides generating employment opportunities for the local population in the form of unskilled labour that currently employs an average of 92 people daily.

The associated infrastructure will include a kindergarten, a commercial centre, guard houses, a social hall, a garbage receptacle, and parking spaces.

The President noted that the project will spur the economic development of Siaya County in a planned and well-designed manner, including a boundary wall and associated electrical, mechanical and civil works.

“Furthermore, with access to safe, secure, and well-designed housing, the health and wellbeing of residents in Alego Usonga Constituency are expected to improve. Children will have conducive environments for learning, and families can thrive in a setting that promotes safety and comfort,” President Ruto said.