George Kebaso and Lydiah Nyanchwa

The government has allocated Sh2.3 billion for relocation of residents of Kibera, Marigu-ini and Kiambiu slums under the affordable housing project.

This is in preparation for upgrading of 228 units as well as to enable the government to complete an estimated 11,000 units earmarked for construction starting December 1.

Government spokesman Cyrus Oguna yesterday confirmed progress on the construction of the first housing units at Park Road, stating that more than 90 per cent completion has been achieved. 

The government intends to build 500,000 housing units by the year 2022.

“The construction of Block A of Park Road housing project, which comprises 228 housing units, has made tremendous progress. The work is 95 per cent complete and the showroom is ready,” he said during an inspection tour.

It is expected that in October, the first lucky occupants of the 15,000 Kenyans who have registered in the voluntary contributions programme will receive keys to their houses.

“Handover of Block A will be in October, which will be followed by the process of allocation. Meanwhile, construction of Blocks B to E that comprise 1,142 housing units will commence there after,” said the Government Spokesman.

“Allocations shall be done on priority basis to those who would have deposited 12.5 per cent and above of the total value of the house. Allocations will be through a balloting-type allocation system devoid of active human intervention to achieve fairness and transparency,” he said.

Prospective owners will be selected from the waiting list of registered pre-qualified, eligible applicants.

He said since the voluntary under Boma Yangu housing initiative a month ago, 15,000 Kenyans have registered and so far, Sh10 million has been collected.