Four months after the launch of the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, phase
two of registration is underway.
The exercise, which began on Monday in Nairobi
South Ward, is targeting close to 2,000 residents of informal settlements in
South B.
Affordable Housing Board official Ruth Wekesa
said the process is focused on earlier applicants from South B and Imara Daima.
“Today, we are dealing with those who have
undergone the enumeration process that was conducted by the Slum Upgrading
Department. We are putting them into the system and helping them to apply for
studio units located at New Mukuru Estate,” Wekesa said.
Area MCA Waithera Chege added that the phase is
part of the government’s plan to ensure more residents benefit from affordable
housing.
“In this second phase, we are targeting at
least 2,000 residents. If you look at Mariguini, that project started way back,
and as of today, we have managed to register over 600 people,” she noted.
Beneficiaries at the registration praised the
project, saying it has given them hope of moving from informal settlements into
dignified homes.
“My application has gone through because the
process has been simplified. I needed to produce my KRA PIN, KRA Compliance
Certificate, and a six-month M-PESA statement. I have registered for a
bed-sitter,” said one applicant.
Another resident urged fellow Kenyans to take
part: “My people, it is true, stop doubting this thing because I already have a
house. I have already signed the agreement, so come and try your luck.”
The registration drive, which ends today, has
also allowed residents to raise concerns directly with housing officials.
New applicants will be considered from
Wednesday.
The government says the next phase, beginning
in January, will include one- and two-bedroom units.
