BY SHABAN OMAR
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged county governments to support the national government’s affordable housing project to help improve the lives of Kenyans.
Mudavadi said the devolved governments have a crucial role to play in ensuring the success of the project.
“County governments must work closely with the national government to make the housing project achievable since your support matters a lot,” he said.
The CS made the remarks while launching the Boma Yangu Week at Mvindeni in Kwale County.
Mudavadi said the affordable housing initiative is part of the government’s efforts agenda to address housing challenges and enhance the quality of life for Kenyan citizens.
Mudavadi highlighted the urgent need to address Kenya’s housing shortage, noting that by 2050, it is projected that 50 million Kenyan citizens will have moved to urban areas.
He said the rapid urbanization underscores the pressing need to construct better, more affordable houses to accommodate the growing population.
Mudavadi stressed that planning for future housing needs is crucial to prevent overcrowding and ensure that all citizens have access to adequate, dignified homes in both urban centers and rurals.
The CS said that the affordable housing project is not just about constructing houses but about providing decent homes that offer more than just shelter.
He said the project seeks to provide citizens access to clean water, electricity, proper sanitation, and other essential social amenities.
Accoridng to Mudavadi, the holistic approach, will uplift the quality of life for Kenyans and create sustainable communities and livelihoods.
He sad investing in affordable housing – alongside critical initiatives like KUSP II and BCRUP goes beyond infrastructure adding that it reflects a shared commitment to building a future where every Kenyan enjoys dignified, sustainable living conditions.
Mudavadi said in order for the government to effectively achieve the affordable housing project vision requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as the dedication of all Kenyans.
“The collaboration is key since skills, expertise, capital, and partnerships are critical to transforming these initiatives into lasting achievements,” he said.
He said that by supporting the project, stakeholders are not only addressing current housing and urbanization challenges but also laying a solid foundation for the nation’s future.
“By supporting these efforts, we are not only addressing current housing and urbanization challenges; but also laying a solid foundation for our nation’s future. Together, we are also creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and empowering communities,” he said.
He further called on Kenyans to remain focused and united in the common endeavor to accelerate the realization of the affordable housing project, ensuring it becomes a shared legacy that both present and future generations can be proud of.
Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome also emphasized the need for counties to fully embrace and support the government’s affordable housing projects.
She pointed out that counties, through their various committees, play a crucial role in effectively implementing the housing initiative.
Wahome mentioned that the project has had positive outcomes since it inception, noting that it has been satisfactory in terms of job creation and its impact on the lives of Kenyans.
She reiterated that with county governments’ full participation, the project could achieve even greater success in addressing the housing challenges faced by many citizens.
“We need to work very quickly on engagement with counties to make the project successful,” she said.
Wahome said the Boma Yangu Week symbolises the government’s dedication to supporting devolution and universal housing and development.
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani praised the Kenya Kwanza administration for initiating the affordable housing project, noting its potential to drive both rural and urban development.
Achani said that the project not only promotes growth but also aligns with the constitutional mandate to provide Kenyans with decent homes.
“We acknowledged that the initiative addresses a critical need and ensures that citizens can enjoy dignified living conditions, as envisioned in the Constitution article 43,” she said.
Achani said that many people are set benefit from the project in both formal and informal employment opportunities since Kwale is one of the beneficiaries with various housing units construction ongoing.
