The government is pushing to complete the second phase of the affordable housing project in Nakuru County by early next year.

The Sh504 million project, launched by President Ruto on August 22, will see the construction of at least 220 low-cost housing units in Bahati.

The government is keen to complete the second project ahead of schedule, possibly by July 2024, in order to meet its target of building 50,000 units in the county.

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The first project was in Bondeni slums where the government invested Sh605 million in the construction of housing units on an 8.5 acre plot. This is nearing completion with only some minor finishing work remaining.

In the second project, the government is building the units on a 2.5 acre plot, which will consist of 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units.

The project will also have a social amenities area, a social hall, children's play areas, a commercial area and a tree nursery.

Affordable Housing project, construction site in Bahati, Nakuru.

Photo credit: Courtesy

Peter Kamau, the Assistant Quantity Surveyor for the project, said they were employing at least 100 youths on a daily basis and the staff was constantly changing depending on the tasks required.

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He said labour challenges have affected the progress of the work but they estimate that the work will be completed by July 2024.

"It is a 12-month project that is expected to end in November 2024, but we are aiming to complete it by July 2024. The speed will ensure jobs for more skilled men and women in the county," Mr Kamau said.

During his visit to the site, the government's Director of Housing Richard Tuta said the project has employed over 500 Nakuru residents including mechanical engineers, plumbers, masons, steel fixers, carpenters and welders.

Mr Tuta said the project has not only employed the Jua Kali sectors, but has also ensured that masons are registered and accredited with the National Construction Authority (NCA).

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"The project ensures that those who work here are registered and can be employed in other government or private construction projects in and outside Kenya," Mr Tuta said.

According to the director of housing the national and county governments will also partner with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to source construction materials and other services locally instead of importing them.

The project, which is said to be at least 15 per cent complete, is part of the government's bottom-up economic agenda to provide affordable housing.

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The Second phase of the affordable housing units in Bahati to be completed by early next year

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