Mr Odinga cuts the tape to unveil the commemorative plaque of Kitui's Affordable Housing Program
By Governor's Press Service
Kitui, Monday
December 14, 2020
Kitui County today launched the construction of 2,000 housing units of its Affordable Housing Program
The initiative will see low income earners own houses as the county creates jobs and wealth for its residents.
The program is in line with President Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda and Governor Ngilu's five pillar manifesto.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was the Chief Guest said many Kenyan populations had been deprived of decent housing for long, resulting in the expansion of slums and informal settlements, noting that the housing program will help solve the problem.
Mr Odinga said "The project will restore hope and decency of the beneficiaries, some of whom are living in harsh conditions".
He praised Kitui's focus on manufacturing, describing it as a tool for growth.
"I have seen notable products made locally here such as hand sanitizers, concrete products, Kitui made wine and non-pharmaceuticals among others. These are great strides",said Mr Odinga.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Ngilu said " This launch is a milestone of monumental proportion for Kitui".
She noted that the pioneer housing estates would be named Chief Kivoi Heights and Nzambani Rockview Estate in recognition of Kitui's rich history and proud heritage.
Governor Ngilu added that the housing requirements in Kitui stood at 250,000 making the county an attractive destination for housing developers.
Noting that Kitui is emerging as a new frontier for business between Mombasa and the Mt. Kenya region, the Governor said the program seeks to meet the different client needs ranging from bed sitters to 4 bedroom maisonettes payable over 15 years.
The launch of the 2000 affordable housing units is an addition to the already existing milestones in manufacturing at Kitui County Textile Centre(KICOTEC), Kitui Youth Skills Enterprise Centre and the Kitui Pharma, which is manufacturing non-pharmaceuticals.
Governor Ngilu said the housing program will spur industrial and job creation in the county through use of local materials from the ballast crusher and also create employment to thousands of people in the next two years.
Both Mr Odinga and Governor Ngilu commended private developers for their contribution towards growing the country's housing program.
On BBI, the two leaders said time was right for the country to embrace change and strengthen the 2010 constitution,noting it is imperative for Kenya to progress further.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Housing Charles Hinga said "Kitui is slowly establishing itself in the country's map as a place of interest and growth".
Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu thanked the County Assembly for supporting the program that will scale up housing in the county.
He hailed the project as one of its kind that will create income for the residents.
The project will kick off at the Manyenyoni and Kalawa road sites in Kitui town.
