Construction of cheap houses to begin in July

Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia addresses journalists at Kahuhia Girls High School, Murang'a County, on May 25, 2018. Building of affordable houses will start this year. PHOTO | NDUNGU GACHANE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The government has formed a task force that will be in charge of fast-tracking project approvals, financing and designs.

The government will start building affordable houses from July this year.

Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said 500,000 houses will be constructed within five years, and will be divided into 59 sub-projects across the country.

"We have identified seven flagship projects in Mavoko where 10,000 houses will be constructed, Makongeni, Park Road and other areas where the ground-breaking will take effect on July this year," Mr Macharia said at Kahuhia Girls High School, Murang'a County, during a prize-giving ceremony on Friday.

Mr Macharia said the government has formed the Integrated Project Development Unit, a task force that will be in charge of fast-tracking project approvals, financing and designs. The project will cost Sh2.6 trillion.

"The team will bridge the gap between the government and the partners and will ensure the building has met all the standards with certification by the government agencies in timely manner," he added.

He said governors will provide land to build the houses.