The directorate of affordable housing and urban development has expressed concern over the ability of some of the contractors to deliver the projects within the stipulated time frame.
According to the Secretary, State Department of Housing, Pius Mugambi, the committees overseeing the projects will evaluate all the contracts that have delayed, with the aim of unlocking the bottlenecks in order to fast-tract them.
“Those who won the contracts should have the financial muscle to undertake the projects. Project managers of the affordable housing have picked up the challenges and they will be addressed so that in the next three months we can deliver at least 50 percent of these projects,” he said.
He was, however, quick to note that contractors who have stalled the project will be dealt with in accordance with the contract implementation terms.
Mugambi said that projects valued at over Sh10.9 billion are under implementation across the three counties of Wajir, Mandera and Garissa.
He said the investments intend to deliver over 2,300 affordable housing units, 4,880 student accommodation beds, 2,400 market stalls and 225 police housing units.
“The Government continues to make significant investments in housing, education, market infrastructure and public service facilities across counties as part of its commitment to accelerating development in Northern Kenya,” he said.
In addition to construction of classrooms and other supporting infrastructure, the projects are creating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and improving access to essential services while laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity across the region.
“Beyond the projects already under implementation, the government has developed a robust pipeline of future investments valued at approximately Sh. 27.6 billion,” he noted.
“These projects are at various stages of planning, evaluation, procurement, advertisement and re-advertisement and will deliver over 7,800 additional affordable housing units, 6,260 student accommodation beds, 5,800 market stalls, and 3,300 police housing units, alongside classrooms and other social infrastructure,” he added.
Mugambi said together, the ongoing and pipeline projects represent a combined development portfolio of over Sh. 38.5 billion across Wajir, Mandera and Garissa Counties.
The investments, he noted will expand access to decent housing, support education and skills development, strengthen security infrastructure, improve trading environments for local businesses, create jobs and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across northern Kenya.
The secretary said that the projects demonstrate Government’s commitment to ensuring that every part of the country benefits from transformative investments that improve livelihoods, strengthen local economies and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
Garissa County Commissioner John Cheruiyot said that his office is working closely with the stakeholders by creating a conducive environment in the housing project to ensure that the projects are delivered as required.
“I want to assure the public that all these projects will be delivered within the right time. We are working as a team with all the stakeholders in Garissa and the team from Nairobi with one motive of delivering the projects as per the specifications outlined in the contract,” he said.
By Jacob Songok
