County Government of Laikipia

County Pensions Fund, CPF, has agreed to finance the construction of affordable houses at Yard 2 Estate in Nanyuki town.

This follows an agreement on the design and alignment of the construction following a feasibility study the fund and the County Government of Laikipia.

The entrance of the Fund into Laikipias housing sector is a major boost in the efforts towards actualizing one of the Governments Big Four Agenda for Laikipia residents.

The County Government targets to provide modern affordable houses to citizens. In the first phase, the government will construct 1,500 houses in the area using modern designs.

We are constructing using modern designs buildings not less than five-story with all the necessary amenities for proper hygiene in the area. said Joseph Shuel, the CECM in charge of Housing and Urban Development.

All the structures will have pathways for easier access and movement of people with disabilities. Enough parking space for all types of cars and fortified walls for security improvement has been planned for.

Construction will begin in the unoccupied areas to avoid displacing the residents. Relocation would bring unnecessary delays and which may halt the implementation of the one-of-a-kind investment.

There will be no displacement of people living in the area as we plan to do the first Phase on the open space near the slaughterhouse. On completion, we will move to Phase Two having provided houses for people to move in. Mr. Shuel said. The investment is market-driven as there is a huge demand for accommodation within Nanyuki. There has been an upsurge in the population within Nanyuki town, which celebrated its centenary year in 2020.

The feasibility study conducted by the County Government in the last two years has enabled the department to identify the kind of houses that Laikipians will be able to pay.

The payment will be affordable for the buyers through a mortgage that will be arranged with the local banks and Saccos. the CECM said.

Other areas earmarked for affordable housing are Ngei Estate in Nanyuki, Kiano Estate in Nyahururu, and the government houses in Rumuruti. Laikipia being a land of opportunities has attracted investors who have come to tap business opportunities created by the government.

Smart Town Initiative by the government has not only transformed Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns, but also other major urban areas in the county. The conducive business environment has attracted many investors and workers, thereby creating a need for more and better houses in the area.

(Source: CGL E-Newsletter Edition 40)