Kakamega county has announced plans to put up houses for over 300 vulnerable families in its quest to improve living conditions.
In the current financial year, each of the 12 wards will have six families benefitting from the project dubbed shelter improvement program.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said the project seeks to have a ripple effect on the academic performance of students and economic status of the residents.
“We are one community and it is important that we show a sense of concern and care so that families live in a conducive environment for their social and psychological development,” Barasa said.
Barasa was speaking when he commissioned the shelter improvement program at Mukhonje primary grounds in Isukha west ward in Shinyalu.
He reiterated that the county government is committed to constructing 360 houses annually.
“Families that benefit from this program are already certified by my administration as ‘needy’. I therefore direct officers involved to give priority to members of these families in the next cohort of Kazi Mashinani,” he said.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana assured the vulnerable families that he would support them to ensure their living conditions improve.
“We will also provide a sustainable feeding program, especially in this final term so that students don’t sit exams on an empty stomach,” Ikana said.
Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender and Culture Mophat Mandela executive noted that the beneficiaries’ new houses will have a water harvesting unit.
“Today we hand over 360 beneficiaries from all parts of the county, 12 constituencies, and 60 wards. We decided to install water sources so that the residents don’t suffer,” Mandela said.
