The government will spend Sh1.3 billion to build affordable housing units in Gatundu South, Kiambu County. The project aims to address the country’s rising housing deficit.
The affordable housing project factsheet
- The government will spend Sh1.3 billion to build 500 houses in Gatundu South.
- The project will take 18 months to finish.
- Old buildings will be demolished to make space for new houses.
- The houses will help students, workers, and residents find nearby homes.
- Over 1,000 local youths will get jobs during construction.
The government aims to roll out between 200,000 and 250,000 affordable housing units each year, but it’s in a race against time to bridge a staggering gap of over two million units. This demand is only growing, fueled by rapid population growth and urbanisation.
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has announced plans to tear down unproductive and aging buildings to make way for around 500 new affordable housing units.
Housing demand in Gatundu
This project will involve relocating some government offices and is expected to wrap up in about 18 months. Kagombe also pointed out that this initiative comes at a crucial moment, as the region is facing a significant shortage of housing for students, workers, and residents alike.
During the launch, he noted that local academic institutions, such as Kenya Medical Training College, Mama Ngina University College, and Gatundu Technical Training Institute, have a combined student population of over 5,000. As a result, the demand for housing in the area has increased. The MP emphasised:
Demand for housing units in Gatundu North continues to rise on a daily basis as private investors and government establish institutions and enterprises here. We believe that construction of 500 housing units on this land will lessen the demand that has been seeing workers, residents and students travel for long distances from their residences.
Kagombe said the project will transform the town, home to the country’s first and fourth presidents, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Uhuru Kenyatta. He added it will boost investment in the area.
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Infrastructure boost and job creation in gatundu
The representative said essential amenities are in place to speed up the town’s development. These include a sewerage system, new healthcare facilities, a reliable water supply from Ng’enda, Kiganjo, and other dams, along with an improved transportation network. He told journalists during the launch:
Besides playing a pivotal role in transforming the town, this project will create job opportunities for more than 1,000 youths and the contractor is under instructions to source skilled and unskilled labour locally.
He pointed out that the Kenya Kwanza administration, under President William Ruto’s leadership, has been working hard to make the affordable housing initiative a reality. This effort has not only provided Kenyans with more affordable places to live but has also generated jobs and given a nice boost to the country’s economy.
