By Agnetta Okwemba
The Jua Kali sector in Kwale is set to benefit from 72 items in the Affordable Housing Programme.
The units has been set aside for Jua Kali artisans in Kwale County.
During an engagement forum organized by the Housing Department of Kwale, they aimed at sensitizing Jua Kali artisans about the ongoing projects, what is needed and its specifications.
The affordable House program is part of Kenya Kwanza’s agenda to provide affordable housing for citizens in every county.
In the process, this intends to create jobs especially with the small entrepreneurs such as the Jua Kali artisans.
According to John Karanja, Regional Director State Department of Housing, Kwale County’s project, Matuga site, was allocated half a billion with a duration of 18 months to its completion.
He said that leaders from registered Jua Kali associations will engage with contractors on what to be supplied through a contract.
The contract will then be signed and the contractor issues an LPO for the supply to begin.
Karanja said that the Matuga construction that begun in June 2024, is currently 10 % with Kindergarten at almost 80%.
Its completion is set to be in December 2025.
Matuga site has Block A and B sitting on 2.5 acres of land carrying 195 units.
Block A will have 9 floors and a Kindergarten whose construction is going on.
It consists of social housing and affordable housing.
Karanja said that block B that is near the main road is set to have 10 floors and shops.
The area will also have a basketball pitch, affordable housing and market housing that is a bit more expensive than the rest.
“I have spoken with the contractors and the workers will be paid the prevailing market rates of Kwale County,” said Karanja.
He urged the leaders of the associations to bring forward any issues.
Registered associations were asked to be under one umbrella where finances can be facilitated incase of shortages.
This will be done through 3 banks, Equity, Sidian and HFC.
Kwale County will this year hold the Mashujaa Day celebrations that is themed “Boma Yangu”.
This is aimed at highlighting the success of the Affordable Housing Programme in the country and Coast region as well.
The county has a number of these programmes going on.
Among them is the Matuga site with 195 units, Diani Whitehouse having 152 units, Modern markets and Mabokoni that is planned to be a mini city with 2000 units.
John Karanja urged Kwale residents make use of the opportunity and be part of the programme by eventually owning a unit.
Diani Jua Kali association chairman David Mwove welcomed the move saying that the project will help them improve economically.
“We appreciate the issue of inclusivity that the affordable housing project is using to involve us. We all want to take part in this programme,” he said.
Kwale town Jua Kali association chair Philemon Mwaita lauded the government for accomodating them saying the project will help them improve their living standards economically.
“The fact that they have called us for a meeting on matters inclusivity it means the government cares and is ready to work with everyone, ” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Lydia Thaara also a jua Kali Member who said they are ready to supply all materials needed by contractors building the affordable houses in Kwale County
