Murang'a to get 10,000 affordable housing units in five years

The national government will construct 10,000 units in Murang’a county under the affordable housing programme in the next five years.

The houses will be built in Kangema, Gatunyu in Gatanga constituency, Kiriaini in Mathioya, Kabati in Kandara and Kangari in Kigumo.

Already 220 units are under construction at Makenji in Kandara constituency and are expected to be completed by December.

The project sits on 2.5 acres donated by the county government along the busy Thika-Sagana highway.

Central regional director for affordable housing and markets Albert Muchiri said three other constituencies have identified land for the project.

Kiharu, Kangema and Maragua will have over 200 affordable houses constructed beginning next month.

In Kiharu, 106 units will be built in the first phase of the project on 1.6 acres belonging to the Department of Housing.

In Maragua, 450 units will be constructed in Mitumbiri area on four acres while in Kangema, 120 units will be built in the first phase on two acres.

Muchiri said in three other constituencies (Gatanga, Mathioya and Kigumo), the government plans to buy two acres for the first phase of the project.

He urged residents to start registering through the Boma Yangu portal to be considered as potential buyers of the houses once they are complete.

He confirmed that in Makenji, Kandara constituency, there will be 100 two bedroom units, 60 three bedroom units and another 60 one bedroom units whose prices will range from Sh1 million to Sh3 million.

“This programme has been a major source of employment for the youths,” Muchiri said, noting that in Makenji about 500 workers are engaged every day.

Other beneficiaries include suppliers of building materials and food vendors who feed the workers.

Murang'a County Commissioner Patrick Mukuria said the programme includes construction of modern markets in the county.

Markets such as Kangari, Muthithi and Kanyenyaini have been upgraded to improve the quality of life for residents.

“I’m asking Murang’a residents to apply for ownership of the houses on E-citizen online platform under Boma Yangu or through the short code message *832 #,” Mukuria said.

County director of housing Laureen Wasungu said jua kali artisans stand to benefit from the projects through the supply of construction materials such as windows, grills and doors.

“Jua Kali artisans should register with the department of small and micro enterprises to benefit because construction materials will be sourced locally,” she said.

Steven Mwendwa, the site agent of the Makenji project, said it commenced on November 22 and is scheduled to be completed by October 23.

Nine blocks will be constructed, each nine storied. Five of the blocks will have two bedroom apartments, three blocks will have three bedroom apartments and one block will have bedsitters.

“In the design, there will be a playground and some other areas will be landscaped, and we have sewer treatment plans. The site will also have ample parking,” Mwendwa said.

Kandara Deputy County Commissioner Peter Maina asked the youths working in the projects to use the money to support their families and better their lives.

“We’re happy to see the youths busy here. One of the main challenges with youths is alcoholism and drugs but these ones are too busy making money,” he said.

The administrator urged residents to invest in the area in readiness for the completion of the houses.

Maina confirmed that two churches that were demolished for the project had been allocated another parcel of land.

He said the neighbouring Makindi Primary School will be improved to make it ready to accommodate more pupils who will be living in the housing units.

Maina appealed to the county government to upgrade Nguthuru dispensary to a Level 3 facility.

“This will be a huge estate. This project will have all-round positive effects on residents,” the official said.