•The National government plans to enhance adequate housing through housing development and human settlement programmes.
•The government in the period 2018-2022 committed 125 billion shillings to the housing sector to make the Affordable Housing Programme a reality.
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Kiambu County government will work closely with the national government and development partners to execute affordable housing projects.
County director for housing, Julius Mwololo, said the initiative is meant to tackle housing shortages.
Mwololo said there are three existing projects designed to ensure housing costs remain below a third of residents’ income. The units will be constructed at Bustani, Depot and Kiambu Town.
Speaking to KNA, Mwololo said they are targeting individuals and families who do not own homes, particularly those earning below Sh100, 000, Sh50,000 and Sh20,000 monthly.
“The government is exploring various financial arrangements, including rent-to-own schemes and tenant purchase programmes, to assist these individuals in achieving home ownership.
This is particularly important for low and middle-income families.
“Funding for these housing projects primarily comes from partnerships within the private sector, wherein the county provides land and private developers supply the necessary financing.”, he said
The recent introduction of a housing levy, a 1.5 per cent contribution from individuals will bolster the resources available for these initiatives.
“This financial model is designed to ensure construction and development continue without overtaxing the county’s limited resources”, he said.
He the process involves applicants demonstrating their commitment through a savings platform known as ‘Boma Yangu’ that allows individuals to express interest in specific units and secure them based on their financial capability.
The county aims to provide job opportunities in construction and related sectors. However, it must grapple with land acquisition issues and financial constraints, which hinder the pace of project delivery.
Mwololo said public participation and feasibility studies are crucial to understanding community needs and ensuring future projects are aligned with expectations.
He said Kiambu County is leveraging technology and seeking innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of development processes and ensure quality standards are upheld.
“The commitment to quality assurance is paramount as it is directly impacting the safety and sustainability of housing structures”, he noted
Mwololo said the county recognises housing as a devolved function under the Kenyan Constitution and emphasised its commitment to providing accessible housing solutions to the community.
Jackline Wamuyu, a young entrepreneur from Kiambu Town, shared her excitement and hope, saying the new housing units will offer a secure and pleasant setting for families, enabling them to flourish within their community.
The National government plans to enhance adequate housing through housing development and human settlement programmes. The government in the period 2018-2022 committed 125 billion shillings to the housing sector to make the Affordable Housing Programme a reality.