Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has praised the transformative impact of the Mukuru Affordable and Social Housing Project on the lives of residents in Mukuru, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. Speaking during a tour to assess the project’s progress, Kindiki highlighted how the initiative addresses long-standing challenges of poor living conditions in the area, where makeshift “makaratasi” (paper) houses have posed risks such as fires, flooding, and poor sanitation.
“The transformative impact of decent and affordable housing is best illustrated by the Mukuru Affordable and Social Housing Project,” Kindiki stated, emphasizing its significance in providing a safer and healthier environment for residents.
The project, a key component of the government’s agenda to improve housing across Kenya, offers residents a rent-to-own model. Kindiki assured the public that the rent for these new units would match what tenants previously paid in their informal structures, with eventual ownership providing a pathway to permanent, secure housing.
The Deputy President also highlighted the economic benefits brought by the project. He noted that many youth from Mukuru, both male and female, have been employed at the construction site, contributing to the local economy.
Phase one of the project is nearing completion, with 13,428 housing units, including bedsitters, ready for commissioning. The project aligns with Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to accessible and adequate housing. “Decent housing affirms the socioeconomic rights envisaged in the Constitution and helps to improve Kenya’s ranking in the human development index globally,” Kindiki remarked.
The Mukuru project marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to provide affordable and dignified housing for informal settlement residents. As construction progresses, residents eagerly anticipate moving into their new homes, symbolizing a shift from vulnerability to stability.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to addressing urban housing challenges and improving the quality of life for thousands, setting an example for other informal settlements across the country.
