This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
On Friday, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the construction of 8,888 houses in Mavoko, Machakos County, under the affordable housing programme, a key component of his Big Four agenda.
As part of the project, the government has partnered with the private sector to address the shortage of decent affordable houses in Kenya, which falls short of international standards.
According to President Kenyatta, the government's commitment to providing affordable houses to Kenyans is unwavering, with a focus on quality over cheap substandard housing.
‘’Low-cost houses should not be translated to mean cheap substandard houses but quality houses for our people,’’ the President said during the ceremony.
The Sh50 billion project, funded by the United Nations through the Habitat Heights company, is expected to be completed in 18 months and will comprise 972 one-bedroom units, 2,912 two-bedroom units, 4,368 three-bedroom units, 60 retail shop units, and other amenities.
Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary James Macharia hailed the project as a pacesetter in ensuring the affordable housing programme succeeds.