Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has broken ground for the construction of housing units for the non-commissioned Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.

Tuya broke the ground at Kenyatta Barracks, Gilgil, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, where 697 units are expected to be built.

“This morning, I undertook ground breaking for the construction of 697 housing units for our non-commissioned KDF officers at Kenyatta Barracks in Gilgil,” Tuya said in a statement on her X handle.

The CS said that the construction of the new units is meant to improve the living conditions of the soldiers. The construction is being undertaken in various barracks in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Housing.

“One of five (5) projects funded by an innovative PPP model and comprising of both married and single lines aimed at ensuring that our soldiers, who continue to selflessly give their all in the defence and protection of our country, live in comfortable and decent houses.

“The others are Roysambu (500), Nanyuki (788), Mariakani (152), and Lanet (932), totalling to 3069 units. On a larger scale, and to holistically address the housing needs within KDF, we shall collaborate with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development for the construction of additional units in various barracks across the country with the pilot project under this collaboration consisting of a total of 10,239 units,” the former Environment CS added.

Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mairu, senior officers, officers, and service members of the Gilgil Garrison were also present during the ceremony.

This comes after Aden Duale, Tuya’s predecessor at the docket, broke ground for the construction of 788 housing units in Laikipia County on June 12, 2024.

The KDF PPP Housing Project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and private sector partners.