The Kiambu County government has issued a stern warning to individuals illegally occupying land designated for affordable housing projects. The announcement follows increasing reports of public land being encroached upon, with County Housing Board Chairperson Robert Waihenya leading the charge in ensuring that the land is reclaimed and utilized for its intended purpose.
Waihenya’s remarks came during an assessment of construction works at a key affordable housing project site in Thika’s Depot area. This initiative, managed by the National Housing Board, involves the construction of 425 affordable housing units at a substantial cost of Ksh 3.5 billion. During the inspection, Waihenya revealed that parts of the site designated for crucial infrastructure, such as parking lots, had been illegally appropriated by individuals seeking to benefit from the land’s value.
“We are fully aware of the encroachment issues plaguing our affordable housing projects,” Waihenya stated. “The public land set aside for these essential housing units has been subjected to illegal acquisition. However, we are taking stringent measures to reclaim it and ensure that it serves its intended purpose.”
The Thika housing project, which is a significant part of President William Ruto’s broader initiative to provide decent and affordable homes for Kenyans, is expected to be completed by 2026. This project is one of four planned in Thika, and it forms part of a larger national strategy to address the housing deficit across Kenya.
Don Kagicha, the Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Director for Housing, emphasized the collaborative effort between national and regional governments to realize the President’s vision. “The Thika project is just one example of how we are working together to provide affordable housing solutions. Similar projects are underway in Ruiru, Nairobi, Machakos, and other towns, many of which are nearing completion,” Kagicha said.
Kagicha also highlighted the national government’s commitment to support regional housing initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable housing market that will benefit a wide range of Kenyans. This commitment is echoed by Thika Municipal Manager Gathii Kanyi, who outlined the county’s ambitious plan to construct 25,000 housing units in the town.
Kanyi sees the national government’s project as a significant boost to Kiambu’s housing infrastructure. “The ongoing and planned housing projects are crucial to our vision of transforming Thika into an industrial smart city,” Kanyi noted. He also pointed out that residents stand to gain from the expanded water supply and improved road infrastructure resulting from the Karimenu 2 Dam project and other national government initiatives.
The county government’s proactive stance is a clear message to land grabbers that such actions will not be tolerated. Efforts are being made to ensure that the affordable housing projects are completed on schedule and that the land is used effectively to provide much-needed homes for the growing population.
As Kiambu County continues to grapple with land-related challenges, the focus remains on achieving the broader goals of urban development and improved living conditions for its residents. The ongoing collaboration between local and national authorities underscores a commitment to addressing the housing crisis and fostering a more organized and prosperous urban environment.
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