The construction of 220 units in Machakos under the Affordable Housing Programme is nearing completion, officials have said.
Don Kagicha, the Nairobi Metropolitan regional lead for the State Department for Housing said the Sh500 million project is expected to be completed in September.
"We have around 48 weeks to complete the project that started in September last year. Construction works for majority of the blocks are complete and others are nearing completion. By September, the project should be done," Kagicha said.
Prospective buyers should start registering for units, in the project that comprises 60 bedsitters, 60 three-bedroom apartments, 60 two-bedroom and 40 one-bedroom houses.
"Since the houses are nearing completion, this is the best time to register either through the Boma Yangu website or dialling *832# on the mobile phones for those that cannot access the website.
"We will also be conducting an open day to showcase the houses to the public once they are finished,” he said.
Kagicha spoke during a meeting with local Jua Kali artisans at the project site in Machakos.
The project has spurred socio-economic growth in the region through employment opportunities and local sourcing of raw materials for the construction.
"The project currently has 150 employees on a daily basis. The Jua Kali sector in Machakos will supply the 1,000 doors and 800 windows required in the project," he said.
Melita Kipury, the Medium Small and Micro Enterprises Inclusion Lead, said besides providing dignified and affordable houses for Kenyans, the project aims to uplift the social economic status of communities and especially the Jua Kali sector, through provision of building inputs.
Kipury said contractors for the project will need inputs like steel doors and windows, wooden frames and flash doors from the local artisans and are not permitted to import or purchase building materials from large players in the industry.
"One of the key aspects of the project is Jua Kali inclusion and one of the approaches used is ring fencing by ensuring that once the project is designed, certain inputs are earmarked to be done by the local Jua Kali communities,” he said.
The government intends to support and grow the industry by including the Jua Kali sector.
"Through this initiative, the sector will grow to be more formalised and more equipped for mass production. Micro enterprises will move to smaller and eventually medium enterprises,” added the MSME lead.
He allayed fears on the capacity of the artisans to provide the inputs required for the project.
"The sector has the capacity both in resources and workmanship required to mass produce and supply the materials required for the project on time. There is the potential, commitment and the desire from the sector to supply the inputs,” Kipury said.
Charles Kituku, from the SME Authority Machakos branch, said more than 300 Jua Kali craftsmen from the area had been contracted to provide doors and windows for the project.
Kituku said the artisans have the capacity to provide the right quality materials, according to the specifications given by the contractor.
"This project will uplift the Jua Kali sector in Machakos and we have the potential to supply all the windows and doors required,” he said.