President William Ruto has handed over 220 housing units to new homeowners in Bomet County, as the Government steps up its affordable housing programme while urging Kenyans to preserve productive agricultural land.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Chepalungu Affordable Housing Project on Wednesday, September 9, Ruto said expanding affordable housing in urban centres would give more Kenyans an opportunity to own decent homes while allowing agricultural land to remain available for food production.
The President said there was little justification for continued subdivision of productive farmland when families living and working in urban areas could access affordable housing.
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“We want our people to have decent homes in our towns while protecting agricultural land for farming. There is no need to continue subdividing productive land when families working and doing business in our towns have access to affordable housing,” Ruto said.
The Chepalungu project comprises 220 housing units spread across nine residential blocks, offering different housing options targeting households across various income categories.
The development includes 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units under the Social Housing, Affordable Housing and Affordable Middle-Class categories.
The project was implemented by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development at a contract value of approximately Sh546.8 million.
Ruto announces Phase Two
Ruto also announced plans for the construction of a second phase of affordable housing units in Bomet, saying the Government would build on the progress achieved under the first phase.
“We shall construct Phase Two of the housing project in the next few months. Our goal is to give more people in this region access to decent homes and improve the dignity and quality of life of Kenyan families,” he said.
The President said the affordable housing programme was not only aimed at addressing Kenya’s housing shortage but also creating employment and stimulating economic activity through construction and related industries.
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According to Ruto, increased access to housing in urban centres would enable Kenyans to live closer to workplaces and businesses while supporting orderly urban growth.
The Government has been rolling out affordable housing projects across the country as part of its broader plan to increase the supply of decent homes, improve urban planning and provide opportunities for Kenyans to become homeowners.
The Chepalungu project is expected to provide residents with access to modern housing while contributing to the transformation of the surrounding urban area.
