All the 1,050 affordable housing units in Ruiru, Kiambu County have been bought even before their completion.
The Parliamentary Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works while on a tour of the Ksh 1.8 billion project, was informed that the units have sold out, two months ahead of the completion time.
Led by the Committee Chairman Johanna Ng’eno of Emurua Dikirr constituency, members expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that it was within the set timelines.
Ng’eno maintained that the buyout was a confirmation that Kenyans have taken the affordable housing scheme seriously and that demand for houses is high, contrary to previous public opinion about the viability of the project.
He also allayed fears that the houses built in a six-acre parcel formerly belonging to the Public Works department were bought by wealthy people, maintaining that 80 percent of the owners are ordinary Kenyans commonly referred to as hustlers.
“Our main purpose as a committee is to make sure that public funds are put into good use and I want to say we are satisfied with what we have seen here in Ruiru. This is truly commendable,” said the Chairman.
Area MP Simon King’ara who accompanied the team said a good number of the houses were bought by locals and that the project is set to transform the local economy.
The MP noted the housing project has created jobs for hundreds of youths, whereas local traders have also been making money by selling consumables to the wirkers.
However, King’ara noted that due to the expected population surge when the new home owners settle down, there is need for expansion of local schools, infrastructure and other public amenities including hospitals.
In Thika where there four projects the committee noted that the progress is in the right speed despite few challenges, area MP Alice Ng’ang’a who joined the team said that the housing projects is a game changer in her constituency.
