By Rose Chepkoech
Visible change is fast being witnessed in Ruiru town. This change is characterised by a transformative form of house construction where skyscrapers are quickly overtaking the age-old buildings including residential flats cum maisonettes and commercial buildings.
Conventionally, the forces behind such conversion would be merely attributed to the affluent of society, but an ambitious programme by the government stands out to counter this notion.
Right at the heart of the town is an imposing tower courtesy of the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). The AHP is aimed at benefiting the disadvantaged members of the society.
The Ruiru project which has a total of 1,050 units being part of the 700,000 units being put up by the government across the country, bears a testimony to President William Ruto's vision of economic empowerment and community upliftment. It further proves wrong the doubting Thomases of the viability of the AHP.
When the Government Spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura and his office team visited this ambitious project on September 30, 2024, while conducting a media tour of the various government projects in the country’s Central region, theirs was quite a sight to behold.
The spokesperson immediately redrafted his talking points to give the correct status of this magnificent project, as what the team witnessed was beyond their imagination.
Started on 19th January 2023, the three separate flats’ project, encompassing 13 floors each, is at 49 per cent completion status and provides for the social status of a gated community to the targeted beneficiaries. Busy at the site are 300 people working daily to earn a living.
It has a contract sum of Ksh107,000,000 for the Jua Kali artisans and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise players’ economic empowerment. The project exemplifies the government's commitment to tackling the housing problem in the country while simultaneously generating employment for the youth.
Skilled workers among them, welders, plumbers, electricians, masons, and site managers are enthusiastic at work, each contributing to the transformation of their lives. Dr. Mwaura noted that the project being implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement is ahead of schedule and is expected to deliver the 1,050 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, by next year.
“The PPP collaboration ensures a sustainable approach to housing development and is being applied across all the housing projects under the AHP,” he clarified.
The projects, the Spokesperson added, were not only constructing homes but also creating a vibrant ecosystem of job creation and business opportunities for the local residents.
Beyond the construction workforce, local vendors, including “Mama Mbogas” have found a steady stream of customers among the construction workers, illustrating a ripple effect of economic activity that accrues from the entire programme.
“Here in Central region over 2,000 workers are being engaged daily, which fluctuates to about 900 ongoing, depending on project needs." Dr. Mwaura explains.
He notes that these individuals are directly benefiting from the project by feeding their families and sending their children to school. Maureen Wanjiku is one of the many beneficiaries of the Ruiru Affordable Housing project. After facing difficulties in securing employment, she seized an opportunity at the project.
Born and brought up in Taita Taveta, Wanjiru has found a renewed purpose through her involvement in the project. Balancing between manual labour and food sales, Wanjiru manages to educate her children single-handedly with the proceeds of the project.
"This project has kept us all busy. No one sleeps hungry or goes idle," she says, full of pride with the AHP as she reflects on the sense of empowerment that the programme has fostered.
"I have equipped myself with new skills and crafts," Wanjiru shares, her experience with gratitude saying the occupation had allowed her to pay off her school fees and graduate from a local college, reigniting her dream of bettering her future.
Then comes Paul Andashe, a former hairdresser who has transitioned into plumbing through this initiative. "It has helped me sustain my life as I also learn more skills and use of technology," he explains, urging other young people to seize similar opportunities.
His message is clear, “when a chance beckons, do not hesitate. Take it up without procrastinating.” Edwin Ochieng, who leads a team of 150 jua kali artisans, expresses appreciation for the opportunity to work on such a large-scale project. His team, composed of local tradespeople, is proud of the impact their work has made on the community.
"This project has lifted us," he affirms, noting that many families can now put food on the table and afford to send their children to school after putting money into their pockets.
Grace Molenje started her journey cooking tea for the workers and has since managed to support her children's education.
"I have never lacked money for food and payment of other bills since I began working here," she says with evident determination on her dream of purchasing a house for her family back in Busia County.
The region was replete with such success stories as the Government Spokesperson led the media and his team across Kiambu, Murang'a, and Kirinyaga counties to witness government action at the grassroots and attain direct feedback.
"This initiative is part of my Office’s commitment to creating awareness on the government projects for sustainable livelihoods. The projects are part of the Government's broader Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which not only aims to provide affordable housing and jobs but also to redefine urban living by prioritizing vertical spaces to preserve land for agriculture," he stated.
As the construction continues, the lives being transformed within the community serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when government initiatives align with the needs of the people. The Ruiru Affordable Housing Project is changing lives, one job at a time, paving the way for a brighter future for many people.
OGS Content Development Desk.
Rose Chepkoech works as a PSIP Intern at the Office of Government Spokesperson