President William Ruto has officially opened the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret, recognising the contribution of local Jua Kali artisans who supplied windows and doors worth Sh264 million for the development.
He handed over keys to 2,157 homeowners at the Sh5.3 billion Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County.
The development goes beyond housing, featuring 104 shops, a kindergarten, playgrounds, green open spaces, a clubhouse and a swimming pool, with a junior school, two basketball courts and a football pitch also planned.
The project marks a milestone for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), demonstrating the capacity of locally based artisans to participate in major government projects, create employment and contribute to the country’s manufacturing and economic development.
A total of 83 Jua Kali associations and groups participated in the fabrication of windows and doors for the housing project, with more than 956 MSMEs directly benefiting from the initiative.
The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), through its Uasin Gishu County office, coordinated the participation of the enterprises and facilitated subcontracting arrangements that enabled local artisans to secure business opportunities within the project’s supply chain.
During the opening ceremony, President Ruto handed over a symbolic cheque to the participating Jua Kali MSMEs in recognition of their contribution, craftsmanship and commitment to delivering the required products.
The Head of State also commended the artisans for their efforts in supporting the project, underscoring the role of locally owned enterprises in the implementation of government development programmes.
Representing MSEA at the event was the authority’s North Rift Regional Coordinator, CPA Alton Kogo, who joined other stakeholders in celebrating the achievement and the growing participation of small businesses in the affordable housing programme.
The initiative has provided a platform for Jua Kali enterprises to demonstrate their manufacturing capabilities while expanding their access to markets and opportunities previously dominated by larger suppliers.
Beyond the Pioneer project, an estimated Sh3.8 billion worth of business opportunities in affordable housing developments, markets and hostels is lined up for Jua Kali enterprises across the North Rift region.
The anticipated opportunities are expected to create further openings for local artisans and small businesses to supply construction materials and other products, while supporting employment and enterprise growth.
MSEA continues to facilitate linkages between MSMEs and major projects by coordinating their participation, supporting subcontracting arrangements and helping organised groups access broader markets.
The participation of the 83 associations in the Pioneer project highlights the potential of organised Jua Kali groups to deliver products required for large-scale construction projects while strengthening local manufacturing capacity.
The affordable housing programme has created opportunities for small enterprises to integrate into formal supply chains, enabling artisans to expand their businesses and benefit from public investment in infrastructure.
The pioneer project provides an example of how collaboration between government agencies, organised Jua Kali associations and local businesses can open up economic opportunities for MSMEs.
With additional projects in the pipeline, the sector is seeking to build on the experience gained at Pioneer to secure more contracts, expand production and increase its contribution to Kenya’s economic development.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
