BY SHABAN OMAR
Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development Alice Wahome has urged universities and tertiary institutions to produce more professionals in the construction industry.
She said with the increasing demand for affordable housing units, more professionals must be brought on board.
She spoke during the inauguration of Boma Yangu Week at Mvindeni in Kwale County on Monday.
Wahome expressed concern over the shortage of skilled personnel in the sector, noting that it has not been easy finding enough experts to beat the target on affordable housing projects.
“Providing 200,000 housing units in a single year is no easy task, given the immense financial resources, materials, and skilled professionals required. I urge universities to increase their efforts in producing more experts in the construction sector,” she said.
Wahome stressed the need for institutions to align their training programs with the demands of the sector, particularly in light of the government’s ambitious housing initiatives aimed at addressing the country’s housing deficit.
She said the universities, particularly those offering engineering and architecture courses to adapt their curricula to the evolving demands of the housing sector.
Wahome noted that expanding training programs, increasing collaborations with industry stakeholders, and encouraging more students to pursue careers in construction-related fields could help alleviate the shortage of expertise.
She, however, said that despite the challenges, the government remains optimistic about achieving its long-term housing plans.
The CS revealed that, so far, the government has successfully constructed 120,000 housing units and is on track to meet its target of 200,000 units by the end of the year.
‘We are committed to ensuring affordable housing for all, and while the road is tough, we are making steady progress,’ she said.
She said the government’s housing project is part of a broader agenda to provide affordable and decent homes for all citizens.
Wahome said with increasing urbanization and population growth, the need for affordable housing has become more critical than ever.
The CS reiterated that the government is committed to accelerating the housing project to benefit more Kenyans.
She praised residents for embracing the housing project and allowing the government to continue deducting levies to support the plan.
The CS acknowledged that initial resistance to the housing project stemmed from misinformation and propaganda that had been spread.
”Many Kenyans were rejecting the project because they lacked accurate information. Unfortunately, false narratives were propagated, creating unnecessary fear and scepticism,’ she said.
Wahome said that more Kenyans have gained trust in the project after witnessing the construction of housing units becoming a reality.
She added that the upcoming handing over of the affordable houses to Kenyan families will further solidify the trust.
‘When people receive the keys to their new homes, it will demonstrate that the government is delivering on its promises. This will be a major step in building confidence in the affordable housing plan,’ she said.
The CS said that the government remains committed to ensuring that the project benefits as many Kenyans as possible.
