In the next two months, Kenyans who purchased government's Affordable Housing units will own the homes following an announcement that completed units in Mukuri, Nairobi, will be handed over to the public.
Among Kenyans who will benefit from the initiative is Milka Moraa. What began as an embarrassment became a story of grass to grace for her.
If you are familiar with the streets of social media, the name Milka Moraa is not new to you. Moraa rose to popularity after renowned televangelist Pastor James Ng'ang'a embarrassed her on TV while she sought his help.
Milka's landlord had locked her house after she was unable to raise the rent. Thinking that her pastor would help her, she ran to Ng'ang'a seeking a way forward only to be met by abuse and embarrassment after the pastor asked her to go for affordable houses if she couldn't afford her rent.
The video elicited mixed reactions, as Kenyans could not believe the pastor's behaviour. Well-wishers, including police officer Sammy Ondimu, raised Ksh392,000 for her. Additionally, the police helped her secure one unit in the just-completed Mukuru Affordable Housing Units.
"I was really heartbroken when the pastor humiliated me while I told him my predicaments, but I remained hopeful and it has turned out great," Moraa told journalists.
Milka secured a studio apartment, commonly known as a 'Bedsitter,' for Ksh640,000.
"Moraa lives in Mukuru, she pays a rent of Ksh4,000 per month which she was unable to raise. Luckily, because of Kenyans of goodwill, she now has a job where she is being paid Ksh18,000. With that, she will be able to afford a house at Mukuru which will be released soon," Sheila Waweru, Ag CEO of Affordable Housing, said.
The affordable house studio apartment will cost Moraa Ksh640,000. She can pay the amount upfront or choose the rent-to-own model, which requires her to pay Ksh3,900 monthly.
Moraa has now moved from a tiny room measuring 9.2 square feet, squeezed with personal effects, water jerrycans, and posing a health risk due to dirty water to a styling studio apartment among the 13,000 affordable housing units in Mukuru.
In her new house, she will enjoy access to clean water, articulated gas, an automated elevator, and social amenities. Her children will enjoy learning in a school within the compound.
"I'd like to thank the government and Kenyans for helping me and ask that may they continue to help me," a grateful Moraa said.
The houses will officially be opened by President William Ruto in the next two months.
