President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will preside over the commissioning of Phase One of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu on May 31, 2025.
The event which marks a significant milestone in the government’s Affordable Housing agenda will feature the official handover of 910 completed housing units and the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase three of the project.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the high-level visit following a courtesy call by LAPFUND CEO Bernard Mbogoh.
Nyong’o hailed the project as a transformative investment in the future of Kisumu and a model for sustainable housing nationwide.
“We are proud to witness this milestone. The presence of both President Ruto and Raila Odinga highlights a shared national commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing,” he said.
Located on an 11.6-acre land, the LAPFUND Makasembo project was launched in 2021 as a partnership between the Kisumu County Government and the Local Authorities Pension Fund (LAPFUND).
Once completed, the project will deliver a total of 1,870 housing units and 1,754 parking spaces.
Phase One includes 910 housing units, while construction of Phase Two is currently underway.
Phase Three, set to begin during the May 31 event, will further scale up the delivery of affordable homes in the lakeside city.
The housing mix caters to both low- and medium-income earners. The low-cost segment comprises 570 units—180 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom, and 290 three-bedroom homes—with 544 parking spaces.
The medium-cost segment includes 600 two-bedroom and 700 three-bedroom units, offering 1,300 houses supported by 1,210 parking bays.
Designed with community needs in mind, the development will also feature preschools, a daycare centre, boreholes, solar energy, high-speed lifts, landscaped gardens, play areas, and ample parking—providing more than just shelter, but a holistic living environment.
“This development is thoughtfully planned for families,” said Nyong’o. “We are creating not only homes but vibrant, inclusive communities where people can thrive.”
Beyond shelter, the Makasembo project is expected to generate jobs, stimulate the local economy, and provide a blueprint for modern, people-centered urban planning in Kenya.
By Chris Mahandara
