The government’s agenda to deliver decent and affordable homes in Murang’a has received a major boost following the handover of two new construction sites in Mathioya and Kangema constituencies by the State Department of Housing.
The latest development raises the number of affordable housing sites in the county to seven, reinforcing the government’s plan to tackle the housing deficit while creating jobs at the grassroots.
In Mathioya constituency, plans are in place to put up 371 housing units on a two-acre parcel of land.
The project has been designed to serve different income groups, with 76 social housing units set aside for the vulnerable households, 175 units categorised as affordable housing and 120 market-rate units aimed at higher-income earners.
According to the County Director of Housing, Ms Laureen Wasungu, the development goes beyond bricks and mortar and will bring along essential social amenities that will directly benefit the surrounding community.
Speaking to KNA on Monday, Ms Wasungu observed that the Mathioya project will include an Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centre, a borehole to ensure a reliable water supply, a waste receptacle, a gatehouse, a waste treatment plant, 13 shops, a parking area and an underground water tank.
“The idea is to create a complete, liveable neighbourhood where residents can access basic services within the housing estate,” she explained.
She added that the housing units in Mathioya will be constructed in four blocks, each rising to nine floors.
“The contractor is already on site, and completion is expected within 24 months. Once finished, the project is anticipated to significantly ease housing pressure in the area while also stimulating the local economy during the construction phase.” Remarked the Director.
A similar initiative is taking shape in the neighbouring Kangema constituency, where 212 housing units are planned.
Of these, 40 will be social housing units, 82 will fall under the affordable housing category and 30 will be market-rate units.
The two sites in Mathioya and Kangema were officially handed over to contractors last week, marking the transition from planning to full-scale implementation.
Wasungu noted that construction work in other parts of Murang’a County is progressing steadily, saying in Kigumo Constituency 152 housing units are under construction, with work having commenced on December 24 last year.
At Makenji in Kandara Constituency, a 220-unit project is already 76 per cent complete, raising hopes that residents will soon begin occupying the houses.
In Makuyu, Maragua constituency, a large-scale project comprising 764 units is at 15 per cent completion, while Gatanga constituency hosts the county’s biggest affordable housing project, with 1,910 units currently under construction and progress standing at 7.3 per cent.
Meanwhile, in the Kiharu constituency, construction of 165 units has begun and is currently at the early stages, with 2 per cent completion recorded.
Altogether, Murang’a County is set to benefit from a total of 3,794 housing units under the affordable housing programme.
Beyond providing shelter, the projects are already making a tangible socio-economic impact, with Wasungu revealing that hundreds of young people have found employment on the various construction sites, earning income and gaining skills that can be used in future projects.
She urged Kenyans to continue registering for the housing programme through the Boma Yangu portal, noting that demand for affordable homes remains high across the county.
“This programme is meant to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of income level, has access to decent housing,” she said.
By Bernard Munyao
