Kericho: The National government has announced an ambitious plan to construct over 8,000 housing units across six sub-counties in Kericho as part of the Affordable Housing Project. This initiative aims to address housing challenges in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Housing Officer for Kericho, Ms. Annabel Wangare, presented a report to the Kericho County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee. The report highlighted that Ainamoi Sub County will see the construction of 322 housing units at Majengo Talai, with the project currently at 33 percent completion. Additionally, 756 housing units are planned for the Kericho Survey Camp in Ainamoi Sub County, with project advertisements already prepared. Ainamoi Sub County will also witness the construction of 4,000 housing units at Chelimo, with an advertisement for 272 units under phase one ready.
Ms. Wangare informed the committee that Soin Sub County will have 1,134 housing units at Kipsitet, with advertisements for 300 units ready. Similarly, Kipkelion town is set to receive 1,134 housing units, with advertisements for 300 units prepared under phase one. Londiani will see the construction of 1,134 units, with advertisements for 300 units ready for release.
In addition to housing, the government is progressing with the Economic Stimulus Project (ESP) to develop markets across the county. In Bureti Sub County, the Kapkatet market is 69 percent complete with a budget of Sh162,008,145. The Sosiot market is 63 percent complete at the same cost, while the Chesinende market is at 47 percent completion, costing Sh54,696,364. The Fort tenant market is 42 percent complete at a similar cost. The Lelu market is yet to commence, with Sh55,149,836 allocated for the project.
The government also plans to build 3,680 student hostels across technical and vocational training institutions in Kericho. This includes 580 units at Sigowet KMTC in Soin Sigowet sub-County, 580 units at Kapkatet KMTC in Bureti, and 340 units each at Kimasian TVC in Kipkelion East and Kipsinende TVC in Kipkelion West. Kericho Township TVC in Ainamoi sub-County will receive 580 units, while Kabianga University in Belgut Sub County will also benefit from 580 units. All student units are currently under evaluation.
The housing officer further mentioned that plans are underway to construct 340 student units at Bureti National Polytechnic and Belgut TVC, as discussed in a meeting chaired by Ainamoi Sub County DCC Dr. Kibe Maguta, acting on behalf of the Kericho County Commissioner. Dr. Maguta emphasized the need for department heads to familiarize themselves with e-government systems, new procurement rules, and the registration of all government projects.
