National Assembly's Public Petition Committee on Monday, April 24, inspected the stalled Kibera Housing project and Mukuru kwa Njenga stalls that were to provide 2,000 housing units to residents displaced by the construction of a railway line.
In a statement, the Committee made recommendations for the project to resume in line with President William Ruto's affordable housing agenda.
The residents expressed delight in the MPs' commitment to serving the residents and bettering their lives.
"The National Assembly's Public Petition Committee's visit to the Kibera Housing Project and Mukuru kwa Njenga stalls is a significant step towards finding a solution to the problems faced by the residents.
"The Committee's actions demonstrate their commitment to their mandate and their concern for the welfare of the people they serve. The residents can now hope for a positive outcome from the recommendations that the Committee will make," the statement read in part.
Funded by the World Bank in partnership with Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), the project sought to construct houses for people living along the railway line. The project also included commercial stalls beside the houses to assist the residents in promoting their livelihood.
The project, however, stalled due to a lack of funds with 2,000 units remaining to be allocated to the affected residents.
"Allocation of a staggering Ksh542 billion is poised to serve as the much-needed impetus for the successful completion of the long-overdue housing units.
"By providing access to water and electricity connections, these erstwhile dormant units are set to be transformed into habitable spaces, thereby bolstering the prospects of Kenyans," the Committee stated.
The legislators conducted an inspection visit after a petition was filed by residents living along the railway line when their homes were demolished to allow for the creation of a buffer for the railway.
In October 2022, President Ruto commissioned the affordable housing project in Mukuru Kwa Njenga and Kibera slums, affirming that over 200,000 units would be constructed in over five years.
According to the Head of State, the houses would include one and two bedrooms at Ksh6,600 and Ksh10,000 monthly rent respectively. The payments would be made through mortgages.
"For affordable housing, a one-bedroom will go for Ksh6,600 while a two-bedroom will go for Ksh10,000 and that is a mortgage, not rent. In 15-25 years, they will become homeowners of this country," Ruto stated.
