Awiti signs MoU to build 2,000 affordable houses

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian (centre) and Housing PS Charles Mwaura show an MoU they signed between the county and national government for construction of low-cost houses on April 21, 2018. PHOTO | BARACK ODUOR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Deal was sealed at the county headquarters by Governor Awiti and Housing PS Charles Mwaura on Saturday.

  • Mr Mwaura said project was part of State efforts to accord locals affordable housing.
  • Homa Bay will be the first county where the programme will be undertaken.

The Homa Bay County government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the national government to build 2,000 affordable housing units for residents.

The deal was sealed at the county headquarters by Governor Cyprian Awiti and Housing Principal Secretary Charles Mwaura on Saturday evening.

Speaking after the signing of the MoU, Mr Mwaura said construction of the houses will begin in the next six months.

“I am telling Homa Bay residents to ask me if they fail to see any work going after the duration because this is a serious deal,” Mr Mwaura said.

He said the project seeks to enable low income earners to occupy and own high quality houses.

BIG FOUR

Mr Mwaura said the project was part of State efforts to accord locals affordable housing which is one of the pillars of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four development agenda.

Homa Bay will be the first county where the programme will be undertaken.

“We have realised that Homa Bay County has readily available resource for constructing the houses and we will not disappoint the residents,” said Mr Mwaura.

He said the project is also aimed at creating 10,000 job opportunities for the area residents.

“Construction of the houses is our endeavour to eradicate poverty because each house will create five job opportunities for the locals,” the PS added.

Governor Awiti, who was accompanied by his Deputy Hamilton Orata and executive committee members, said his administration will provide 18 acres of land for the construction of the houses.

“Living in a good house is a basic right of our people and this programme will help us achieve this,” said Mr Awiti , adding that Homa Bay town had an acute housing shortage.