The County Government of Nyandarua and the National Housing Corporation (NHC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of 100 low-cost houses in Ol’Kalou town.
The county has set aside 13 acres of land – with the initial phase occupying 1.3 acres for the construction of houses under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).
The county has further offered to provide utility services like access roads, water and other amenities and enablers and has also waived levies and charges due from the approved development plans.
On its part, NHC will avail the architectural designs, supervise the works and fund the project.
AHP is one of the Kenya Kwanza government’s key initiatives under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and also details the Change Manifesto, the economic blueprint of Nyandarua County.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement at the county headquarters, NHC Board chairman Yusuf Chanzu said the MOU will not only give the people of Nyandarua an opportunity to own decent houses at an affordable rate but also help the county close the gap of inadequate housing.
Governor Kiarie Badilisha welcomed the commencement of the project, which is the first in Nyandarua County, and pledged his full support.
“Such projects will not only spur local economic development but provide immediate job opportunities for the youth whose multiplier effect is enormous, as well as help in knowledge and skills’ transfer,” he stated.
The NHC Nyandarua AHP project will be built in phases; the first phase comprising 100 units done at an approximate cost of Sh250 million over 52 weeks.
The units will include 20 bed-sitters, 40 one-bedroom units and another 40 units of two bedrooms.
NHC Managing Director David Mathu said the corporation is committed and determined to continue replicating projects across all counties through collaborations and joint ventures.