The government is set to offer investors free land in prime areas to develop affordable houses as part of the big four agenda.
The plan was revealed by Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga on Monday, July 5.
According to the PS, the government will provide the land and make it a requirement that the private developers don’t charge the cost of the land when selling the houses.
Hinga stated that according to a study conducted 2019, land in Nairobi is the most expensive in Africa, making it extremely difficult to have affordable housing.
“We are glad to have Tecnofin, a Kenyan developer, occupying the affordable housing space and they have committed to building one floor per week in the Pangani project by employing modern technology,” stated Hinga
The government has also launched housing projects in Mombasa, Kitui and another upcoming one in Changamwe that will have 3,148 units.
“The developer tells me he has zero appetite for high-end houses since all the units in the affordable housing scheme were sold out within the first 90 days, this is the confidence we want to give the investors,” stated Hinga
He also highlighted that the law has been changed and from September this year, those with pension can withdraw up to 40 per cent of their savings towards a house which is important because there is no need of owning a home when already in retirement.
Nairobi county, acting governor Ann Kamau said that in collaboration with NMS, they have invited developers to express interest in the development of affordable houses and they are being evaluated and they shall soon issue requests for proposals for developers whose bids were satisfactory.
Kenya has also joined 24 other countries in signing a joint declaration that seeks to enhance mechanisms for mass production of decent and affordable housing on the continent.
The pact known as the Yaounde Declaration was issued at pan-African affordable housing firm Shelter Afrique’s 40th annual general meeting staged in Cameroon at the end of June.
Kenya was represented by Transport and Housing Cabinet Secretary James Macharia in the meeting that brought together ministers in charge of housing and urban development in the region.
MPs Approve Motion to Impeach CS Linturi Breaking News
