Ruto, Raila expected in Kisumu for affordable housing handover

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are expected in Kisumu end month, to preside over the official handover of Phase One of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project.

The event slated for May 31, will mark the completion of 910 modern housing units under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.

It will also coincide with the groundbreaking of Phase Three of the project, signalling continued investment in dignified and accessible urban housing in Kisumu.

Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the upcoming visit during a courtesy call by Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPFUND) chief executive officer Bernard Mbogoh.

“We are proud to witness the completion of this transformative phase. The presence of President Ruto and Raila is a strong testament to the unity of purpose in delivering decent and dignified living for our people,” Nyong’o said.

He added that the upcoming milestone also includes the start of Phase Three of the project, which will further expand access to affordable housing across the county.

"I'm particularly pleased that the facility includes a kindergarten and daycare centre to support working families and ensure a nurturing environment for our young learners," he said.

The LAPFUND Makasembo project, launched in 2021 following a partnership between the Kisumu county government and the Local Authorities Pension Fund, sits on an 11.6-acre land.

In 2022, Raila officiated the groundbreaking of the project.

The initiative targets the delivery of 1,870 housing units and 1,754 parking spaces upon completion. Phase Two is already underway.

The housing units will be offered under both low and medium-cost categories. The low-cost units will include 180 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 290 three-bedroom homes, totalling 570 units with 544 parking spaces.

The medium-cost segment will feature 600 two-bedroom and 700 three-bedroom units, amounting to 1,300 homes with 1,210 parking spaces.

The development will also include essential amenities such as preschools, boreholes, solar power, high-speed lifts, landscaped gardens, ample parking and communal play areas.

Governor Nyong’o said the project reflects thoughtful urban planning, ensuring that social and environmental needs are integrated into the design.

“This housing development is designed with families in mind, offering not only shelter but also a quality living environment,” he said.

The Makasembo project is expected to help ease the housing deficit in Kisumu, create jobs and stimulate local economic growth while promoting inclusive urban development.