President William Ruto’s speech during the affordable housing project in Kibra, was an overflow of promises to the residents of Kibra, who are hopeful to see the housing programme come to life.
The Head of State made remarks on the aforementioned topic on the debut of the proposed Kibera Soweto East Zone B Social Housing Project in Langata.
He mentioned that the project and many more to come will hasten the slum upgrading in the country.
The target is to construct 200,000 houses contrary to the last five years where about 2,000 houses were constructed.
His main aim is to bring to an end the slum areas, upraise the standards of living of low income earners and reduce the two million housing deficit reduction in country.
The houses will allow month-end payments from as low as Ksh. 2,400 for a one bedroom apartment. President Ruto assured the masses that after duly paying Kshs 2,400 per month in a span of 20 years, one will assume house ownership.
Under the tenant purchase scheme, the two-bedroom and three-bedroom housing units will go for Ksh. 4,600 and 6,500 a month respectively. This will attract a three percent interest rate.
According to the project, Kibera Soweto B will construct 4,054 housing units. The president further explained that the houses will have roads, ample parking, educational facilities,markets and hospitals within.
They will also have washrooms, electricity, and access to clean water will be availed.
This project will replace the Kazi Mtaani initiative as it will provide 2,500 jobs compared to the 500 jobs that the Kazi Mtaani program provided.
The 2-year project is set to benefit local suppliers and laborers in the Kibera Soweto under an agreement with the government.
The head of state stated that Kibera – which is known as the largest sum in Africa – will be transformed into the largest real estate in Kenya.
BY CHRISTINE OMONDI