The Kiambu County government has put on notice individuals who have illegally acquired land meant for the construction of affordable houses.

County Housing Board Chairperson Dr Robert Waihenya said a large chunk of the public land set aside for the projects in various towns has been grabbed, but vowed that measures are under way to repossess it.

“My Board which came to office recently has found out that most of the land set aside for the affordable housing units has been encroached on. We are telling these people to leave as this is public property,” said Waihenya.

The official spoke during an assessment of ongoing construction works of 425 affordable units in Thika’s Depot area undertaken by the National Housing Board at a cost of Sh 3.5 billion.

He added; “For instance at the Thika site, some individuals had grabbed space meant for a parking lot, but we are warning them that both the county and national governments are out to ensure the land reverts back for the intended purpose.”

The Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Director for Housing Don Kagicha said the latest Thika project is scheduled to be completed by 2026 and it is part of three others in the town. It has employed some 200 construction workers.

Kagicha added that the national government is working in co-operation with regional governments to deliver President William Ruto’s pledge to enable Kenyans to own decent and affordable homes.

“Similar housing projects are ongoing in various areas including here in Thika,  Ruiru, Nairobi, Machakos and other towns with many nearing completion,” Kagicha stated. He said the units are affordable with the cheapest going for slightly over Sh 00,000.

The Thika Municipal manager Gathii Kanyi said the county government plans to construct 25,000 housing units in the town and the national government project goes a long way to complement this.

He also appealed to residents to take advantage of the housing projects as the county government plans to transform the town to an industrial city.

“As part of Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s plan to upgrade Thika to an industrial smart city, a number of road extension projects have been undertaken in collaboration with the national government, besides setting aside land for business and industry,” said Kanyi.