Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has defended the government’s Affordable Housing Project, saying it is transforming the lives of Kenyans by creating job opportunities and improving living conditions.
Speaking in Machakos County on Wednesday while inspecting the progress of housing projects, Wahome urged Kenyans to ignore critics, insisting that the initiative is on course to deliver its intended benefits.
“The affordable housing project is improving living standards,” she said.
According to Wahome, the government has so far constructed 140,000 housing units and aims to build one million units within the next five years. She assured the public that the project’s procurement process has been transparent and has met all government approval standards.
The CS also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of discrediting government-funded projects. She claimed that Gachagua had previously championed and launched similar projects before his removal from government.
“Gachagua championed and launched these projects himself before he was ousted from the government,” Wahome said, challenging him to provide evidence of any alleged illegal contracts under her ministry.
She further advised Gachagua to rethink his political strategy, cautioning that he was “losing it.”
In Machakos County, Wahome revealed that 220 housing units have already been completed, with an additional 4,000 units set to be handed over to the public in the first quarter of 2025. President William Ruto is expected to launch the handover process.
The project offers different housing typologies, including social, affordable, and market-rate units. The rental prices for the smallest units will range from Sh3,000 for low-income earners to Sh7,000 per month, depending on the house type.
Wahome dismissed concerns that the units were too small, stating that they are specifically designed for target groups currently living in poor conditions.
The CS also addressed the issue of land ownership in the Konza area, clarifying that the matter is not related to land registration. She said technical teams are working to determine the adjudication section based on title deeds, adding that a review will establish which land falls under Machakos or Makueni counties.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to decentralizing land registry services to reduce the burden on Kenyans who have to travel long distances for land-related matters.
Employment opportunities
Kyalye, who was employed to clean offices and toilets in the project since August has earned a fortune.
“I graduated with a Human Resource certificate, and after I missed employment opportunities, I settled in the construction site,” said Kyalye, a mother of one.
John Kaniaru, 53, a mason said he has benefited from the programme as he managed to buy a motorcycle and educate his children. “I have educated my child with the money I get from the project,” said Kaniaru, a father of eight.
At Makeji, AHP Site Agent Michael Mwololo said the programme engages between 120 and 150 youth daily, a move that brought an end the criminal activities.
Mwololo said the project is a reprieve to many families, as it has saved many of the youth from joining criminal gangs and indulging in alcoholism.
“The area has been turned into an economic venture, after decades of dormancy. After the completion of the project, the area will be transformed as the locals will be supplying tenants with foodstuff, and milk among other goods,” said Mwololo.
At Kianyaga market in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, there is a relief with reduced alcoholism. More youth are engaged in the construction of 120 units in the affordable housing programme.
Business activities
The construction is expected to improve business activities at the market centre, with between 120 and 250 youths daily depending on the nature of the works.
Contractor Samuel Wambugu says at Kianyaga, the desperate youths who engaged in alcoholism have changed.
“The youth had nothing to do but the AHP has changed the situation as they are fully engaged,” said Wambugu adding that the project is 87 per cent complete.
Elizabeth Nyarangi, 25, says in the past year, she has gained a lot in masonry and carpentry. “I have uplifted myself through the earnings that I have received since February last year,” said Ms Nyarangi.
Mzee Michael Kiura, of Kirinyaga East Carpenters Association, appreciates the members’ involvement in fixing doors, cupboards and wardrobes in the units.
“It is the first time the carpenters and wielders are engaged in the government project getting better payment from the contractor at Kianyaga,” said Kiura at Kagio market. Last December, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said the housing programmes are designed to increase economic space in the localities.
In the construction sites, small businesses emerged among them hotels providing meals to the workers.
“There will be hundreds of tenants flocking in thus increasing business opportunities as they will need vegetables, milk and other services from the community,” said the cabinet secretary.
