A groundbreaking transformation is underway in Kisumu city with the introduction of the Lumumba estate affordable housing project, valued at Sh5.2 billion.
This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing housing challenges in the lakeside city.
With plans for similar projects across four subcounties in Kisumu, this plan promises to reshape the housing landscape and improve living conditions for residents.
The Lumumba estate affordable housing project will see over 1,600 units developed to bridge the shortage of houses in the area.
This is following the demolition of old houses at the pre-independence estate bringing to an end 63 years of its existence.
The project spearheaded by the national government through the Affordable Housing Programme will have a mix of social housing and affordable housing with a section of the estate offered for sale at market rates.
According to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development Nyanza Regional Director Jared Buoga, the project comprises studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units.
Buoga said it will incorporate modern amenities and environmentally sustainable features, promising a better quality of life for residents.
“This includes a health facility, shopping mall, paved walkways, parking lots, playgrounds, clubhouse and even an Early Childhood Development centre.”
He added that a stimulating economic growth will be witnessed in the area with the project expected to create employment opportunities for residents during the construction.
“We have the contractor on site, given 18 months to complete the project after which the government will gazette the rates for acquiring the units. The contractor is expected to deliver the project between 18-24 months.”
Buoge further divulged that four other major affordable housing projects were in the pipeline in the area.
Speaking at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu during a public participation meeting on the Affordable Housing Regulations 2024, he said the projects will be done in Maseno, Muhoroni, Ahero and Upper Kanyakwar.
“This will go a long way in addressing housing needs in the lakeside city, we are already working on the designs for the four projects which we hope to roll out in the next financial year,” he said.
Also rolled out by the affordable housing fund at a cost of Sh172.6 million is the construction of ultra modern markets at Kisian, Mowlem and Muhoroni.
Already, the contractors have been given up to four months to complete the projects.
The markets, Buoge noted, will have modern sheds, cold storage facilities, lactation rooms, ICT hubs and a circulation area with each market accommodating up to 200 traders.
He also said the state department was relooking at all government houses in the area including civil servants pool houses, with a view to redeveloping them under the affordable housing programme.
“Some of the units, have decayed while others have been grabbed, and there are plans to include them under the affordable housing programme,” Buoge said.
He added that the units in Kisumu were done by different government agencies and have some encumbrances.
“Some of them have arrears in statutory payments but we are inviting the state agencies to have discussions with the fund and see how we can partner to rebuild them,” he said.
During the public participation meeting, Buoga challenged residents to take advantage of the initiative and make voluntary savings through Boma Yangu in order to raise the required deposit to qualify for the units once they are completed.
He said they must demystify this initiative, because currently, Kisumu county is already benefiting from the fund with the construction of Lumumba estate and the three ultra modern markets.
Members of the public were taken through the affordable housing regulations 2024 which have been developed by the state department for housing and urban development to operationalize the affordable housing act.
The team will also collect views from members of the public in Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira.
Their input is expected to be considered alongside that from other parts of the country before the regulations are tabled in the National Assembly on April 30, 2024.
