UASIN GISHU COUNTY: Uasin Gishu County residents have been challenged to register and save for the Affordable and Social Housing programme through the Boma Yangu initiative. Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Bii, emphasized the feasibility of the Affordable Housing project, highlighting it as a tangible opportunity for Kenyans to own homes by gradually saving through Boma Yangu.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Bii explained that the savings would contribute towards the 10 percent deposit needed to secure a housing unit, with successful applicants having up to 14 years to pay off their homes. The Governor made these remarks during the first Jenga Pre-Expo Conference at the KVDA Auditorium in Eldoret, which focused on themes of affordable and climate-resilient housing and the future of construction in a smart city. Eldoret has been earmarked as a significant beneficiary of the National Government’s Affordable Housing programme.
Dr. Bii noted that the National Government’s initiative involves the construction
of 500,000 affordable houses, aiming for 200,000 units per county. Eldoret is set to receive a total of 4,885 housing units with specific allocations in areas such as Kidiwa, Pioneer, AMS, and the Eldoret Railway city. The Governor reiterated the importance of integrating energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable solutions into these housing projects to ensure sustainability for future generations.
Furthermore, Governor Bii urged contractors involved in the Affordable Housing projects to utilize locally available construction resources, thereby empowering the local business community. He noted that these projects have generated employment opportunities for individuals in the Jua Kali sector, who have been engaged in manufacturing doors and windows for the housing units.
In a move to attract more investors in the housing development sector, Governor Bii’s administration is working on streamlining regulatory services to reduce delays and bureaucratic hurdles associated with permit issuance and appr
ovals for housing projects. This initiative aligns with the recent elevation of Eldoret to city status, which has spurred investments and urbanization, increasing the demand for affordable housing and improved infrastructure.
Miss Wanjaa Wamboi, a supervisor at the Kidiwa Housing Project, shared her experience, dispelling myths about affordable housing not creating employment. She highlighted the stable income and skill development opportunities afforded to her through the project. She encouraged the public to support the Affordable Housing initiative, emphasizing its role in job creation and national development.
Additionally, Mr. Elijah Kiambati from the Jua Kali sector expressed gratitude towards the President for involving their sector in the Affordable Housing project, acknowledging the employment opportunities it has provided. He encouraged people to visit the housing sites to observe the quality of work produced by the Jua Kali artisans and to engage with the project.
