Push for More Land in Ruiru and Thika as Demand for Affordable Housing Surges -

Push for More Land in Ruiru and Thika as Demand for Affordable Housing Surges

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing and Urban Planning has directed Ruiru Sub-County security and administration to make more land available for the construction of additional affordable housing units.

This follows the committee’s finding that all the 1,050 units constructed in Ruiru have already been sold, with demand for more still rising.

During an inspection tour of the project site along Ruiru–Kiambu Road on Wednesday, Committee Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno (MP, Emurua Dikirr) said that availing more land would allow for the development of additional housing units, with priority given to residents of the densely populated area.

Ruiru Deputy County Commissioner Julius said there are several parcels of land available for the construction of additional housing units, adding that he will liaise with the Ministry of Housing to facilitate their handover.

Ng’eno noted that the successful uptake of the units was proof that Kenyans have embraced the affordable housing initiative, contrary to earlier skepticism about its viability.

“The buyout of all the units shows that Kenyans have taken the affordable housing scheme seriously. Demand for decent homes is high, and this is a clear indication that the programme is working,” said Ng’eno.

The chair noted that an increase in uptake of the houses was necessitated by a a change in affordable housing law where the government started collecting levy and started off taking from the developer.

“Many things changed after the law was passed this menat that anybody who had deposited as little as 5% he or she is eligible to pay for the unit as many years as one is able,”Ng’eno added.

He also dismissed claims that the houses, built on a six-acre parcel formerly belonging to the Department of Public Works, were acquired by wealthy individuals.

“Eighty percent of the buyers are ordinary Kenyans—commonly referred to as hustlers. Our main purpose as a committee is to ensure that public funds are put to good use, and I must say we are satisfied with what we have seen here in Ruiru. This is truly commendable,” he added.

Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, who accompanied the team, lauded the project, noting that it has greatly benefited the local community.

“A good number of the houses were bought by locals, and the project has created jobs for hundreds of youths. Local traders are also reaping benefits by supplying food and other essentials to the workers,” said King’ara.

However, he cautioned that the expected population increase once new homeowners move in would require the expansion of local schools, infrastructure, and other public amenities such as hospitals.

In Thika, where affordable housing projects are underway at King’s Boma near Thika Stadium, Thika Depot, and Thika UTI, the committee noted that the progress is on the right track despite a few challenges. Additionally, the construction of modern ESP markets in Ngoingwa, Gatuanyaga, and Kiganjo is also progressing well.

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, who joined the inspection team, expressed her appreciation to the government for prioritizing her constituency in the housing agenda.

“I want to sincerely thank the government for giving Thika the biggest share of affordable housing projects. These developments are transforming lives and will go a long way in addressing the housing deficit while boosting our local economy,” said Ng’ang’a.

Once the project are complete,Ms Ng’ang’a to liase with local leaders to vouch for more land that will pave way for construction of more houses.

Ends