The national government affordable housing project at Maili Tatu in Trans Nzoia County has kicked off in earnest.
Speaking to KNA, Trans Nzoia County Director of Housing, Moses Owuor, revealed the project to accommodate 1350 housing units once complete, will cost the government Sh2.7 billion.
“The project is still in its infant stage having faced the site clearing issues as there were so many trees. However, we are happy we have navigated that corner and the foundation has been laid. We have kicked off walling which opens a marathon of other construction works,” he said.
Promising that the contractor is working around the clock to ensure strict adherence to set timelines, Owuor revealed the project is expected to be complete by August 2026.
The project which has opened about 2000 job opportunities for youths, will also provide market for supply of building materials which Owuor said will be sourced locally.
“This project has come in handy for the unemployed youths who will get opportunities to earn a living. More than 2000 youths are going to be absorbed,” he said.
Charles Odero, an agricultural science graduate who is among the 2000 youths to benefit from the casual job opportunities generated by the project, hailed the government for the initiative saying it will help many get a living and offer ground for empowerment.
“After graduating from campus I can no longer depend on my parents for everything. As I wait for formal employment, I jumped on this opportunity once it surfaced and it is greatly helping me earn a living,” said Odero.
He added, “The job has helped me and many of us who are here to stop the culture of dependence. Besides, it occupies us taking away the time we would have idled and maybe involved ourselves in drug and substance abuse,” he said challenging youths not to be job selective.
For Irene Nasimuyu, a student at Kitale National Polytechnic, the project has helped her get a place to further her skills while on attachment and earn.
“It has been hard for us to get a place for attachment. This project has helped most of us land a place to polish our skills and it does not stop there, it helps us gain money for our upkeep,” she said.
By Isaiah Nayika
