Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed that the government’s Affordable Housing Programme has generated over Ksh.4 billion worth of jobs for the Jua Kali sector.
Speaking on Wednesday during a status and appraisal briefing held at his Karen residence, Kindiki emphasized that the project has also boosted local manufacturing of construction materials such as cement and steel.
“The ongoing housing projects have provided more than Ksh.4 billion worth of work for the Jua Kali sector, accelerating growth in the manufacture of cement, steel, and other construction materials,” Kindiki noted.
He highlighted that the program is active in at least 45 counties, creating over 200,000 job opportunities for Kenyans.
“Currently, 100 housing projects in 45 counties, which will yield 135,515 units, are in various stages of completion. These projects have created job opportunities for over 200,000 people as part of the government’s job creation initiative,” he stated.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme, noting it is critical to addressing the country’s housing deficit. He pointed out that the annual demand for housing in Kenya stands at 250,000 units, while only 50,000 units are currently produced each year.
“To address this gap, the Kenya Kwanza administration is prioritizing the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme, including social housing projects tailored for low-income earners,” Kindiki explained.
He added that some of the housing projects will be ready for allocation and occupation starting January 2025.
“From January 2025, some housing projects will be ready for commissioning, allocation, and occupation by new homeowners,” he said.
Kindiki revealed that 550,000 Kenyans have already registered for home ownership through the Boma Yangu platform. The allocation process will commence once the housing units are completed.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Principal Secretaries Nixon Korir (Lands) and Susan Mang’eni (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development), among others.
