The affordable social housing projects and modern fresh produce markets in Kwale County are evolving rapidly.
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) championed by the national government seeks to create opportunities for better living conditions in urban centres.
The housing project, under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is a transformative initiative by the Kenya Kwanza government, aimed at addressing the country’s housing shortage.
The ongoing AHP construction projects in Kwale include the Matuga 200 units, Diani Whitehouse 200 units, Mbokoni smart city 155 units and the construction of the Diani modern fresh produce market.
The site agent at the Matuga affordable housing project, Samson Kaarie says the project is at 50 percent completion and would be fully finalized by December 2025.
Kiaarie says the Matuga AHP integrates 195 residential units with essential amenities like 10 shops, a kindergarten, a basketball pitch, playground and commercial blocks to create a self-sustaining community.
He said the Matuga AHP is an integrated affordable housing development comprised of one, two, and three-bedroom units with social amenities, carefully designed to fit local architectural and cultural preferences.
“This development provides a comprehensive living environment, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents by offering convenience and services close to their homes,” he said.
Launched in July 2024, the Matuga housing project once complete will change the face of Kwale Town and features modern high-rise units, a commercial block, 10 shops, a kindergarten and key social amenities.
Kiaarie says with over 130 workers employed mostly youth from the local community, the project is not just building homes, but also creating jobs and empowering local youth and women with income and technical skills.
At the Diani affordable housing project with 154 units, progress is also on track with the constructor Sihaam Ltd expediting the works.
Kwale County Commissioner (CC) Stephen Orinde says the AHP in the region seeks to tackle the housing deficit and uplift communities.
Orinde who led the National Government Development-County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC) members on an inspection tour of infrastructure projects called on residents to take advantage of this housing opportunity to acquire sustainable and affordable homes.
He says the AHP is a beacon of hope for many Kenyans who dream of owning a home by making it accessible and sustainable for all, especially low-income families.
Orinde, who is also the chairman of the NGD-CICMC says the state is keen to complete ongoing public infrastructure projects to foster socio-economic growth and connectivity.
He was accompanied by Esther Mazera in charge of the Government delivery Unit (GDU) in Kwale and Deputy Director Cindy Kuria from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
Some of the key projects being implemented in Kwale include the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam, the Sh173,702,296 million Diani airport expansion project and the Sh538 million Mwachande bridge that seeks to connect Msambweni, Kinango and Lunga Lunga sub counties.
Others are the Sh1.15 billion Funzi causeway off the Milalani-Munje Road, the construction of the Sh3 billion Kwale-Kinango road, the Sh606 million regional maritime transport and port logistics centre and the Sh 500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) among other significant projects.
“These projects seek to improve local connectivity and address Kwale’s significant infrastructure deficit,” said Orinde, adding that the projects are expected to ease traffic, support local businesses, and promote economic development.
Orinde said the multiagency inspections are intended to assess project progress, address challenges and ensure the timely completion of the meg projects stressing that no project should take longer than the stipulated time.
The NGD-CICMC team also visited to assess the progress of work of the Diani modern fresh produce market.
Simon Kiiru, the foreman at the construction site said the modern market with 400 stalls is 94 percent complete.
Kiiru said the project is actively engaging 60 workers on-site, injecting both employment opportunities and renewed hope into the local economy.
He said once fully operational, the market will host 500 traders, offering 400 modern stalls including smart stalls, specifically designed for fresh produce vendors, as well as 100 additional spaces to accommodate a variety of other businesses.
Orinde said the market is designed to serve broader economic and social functions and feature cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses, ICT hubs to foster digital inclusion, a well-equipped mothers’ room, a vibrant food court and a 200-seater social hall for community engagements.
He said these amenities are poised to create a centre for trade and dynamic space for community interaction, innovation and inclusive growth in Kwale.
By Hussein Abdullahi
