Kisumu is set for a major housing shake-up as the Sh5.8 billion Lumumba Affordable Housing Project, one of the largest in the Nyanza region nears completion, with a multi-agency inspection team reporting 90 per cent completion during an oversight visit on Friday.
State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Belio Kipsang, who led the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC)-a delegation of more than 10 Principal Secretaries on an oversight and verification tour of the site, said the project remains firmly on schedule and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The contractor, he added, was working round the clock to hand over the project as scheduled to give impetus to the government’s drive to enhance access to affordable homes.
Located in the heart of Kisumu City, the development comprises 15 blocks of 17 floors each and will deliver 2,348 housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme. The units are categorized into social housing, affordable units, and market-rate apartments targeting various income groups.
Dr. Kipsang said the project has become a major economic lifeline for Kisumu, employing about 1,200 workers daily since construction began in June last year.
Most of the workers, he said, were youth engaged in masonry, steelwork, plumbing, electricals and finishing works.
“This project has created employment for local youth and other professionals. It speaks to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment while addressing the housing deficit,” Dr Kipsang said, commending the contractor for maintaining momentum.
Nyanza Regional Director for Housing and Urban Development, Jared Buoga said demand for the units was high, with uptake standing at about 60 per cent.
The government, he said, has appointed Tyson’s as the realtor managing applications and purchase processes, while all transactions were being channeled through the BomaYangu platform.
“Across all categories except market-rate units, buyers are required to pay a 5 per cent deposit before transitioning to the tenant-purchase scheme where monthly payments continue until the full value is settled,” Buoga said.
He added that Nyanza has about 80 planned housing projects, comprising nearly 18,000 units across the six counties, with 37 already under construction.
Buoga urged Kenyans, including those living abroad, to use the BomaYangu portal or USSD code *834# to register at a fee of Sh.200 and apply for units of their choice.
During the tour, Kisumu National Polytechnic Industry Liaison Officer James Olando said the project has also supported skills development through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The initiative, he said, identifies and certifies skilled workers at the site who lack formal credentials.
“So far, 129 highly skilled youths have been certified, and another 256 are undergoing assessment. This will open doors for both local and international employment opportunities,” Olando said.
He noted that the government has subsidised assessment fees from Sh25,000 to Sh3,000, with workers assessed on-site paying Sh1,500, further boosting youth participation.
by Chris Mahandara
