It’s all systems go as the lakeside city of Kisumu is poised to host President William Ruto as he kickstarts his four-day whirlwind development tour of the Nyanza region tomorrow.
Dr Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will commission Phase 1 of the Sh3.5 billion Local Authorities Pensions Fund (LAPFUND) Makasembo Affordable Housing Project.
They will also lay the foundation stones for Phase 2 of the project, and later preside over a ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the LV Marina Housing project located at Kirembe grounds near Otonglo centre.
Speaking during a press conference at the site earlier today, Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said that Kisumu is ready to host the two principals and welcomed the public to the venues.
“President Ruto will come and hand over the keys to the new house owners. 50 percent of the Makasembo houses are sold out, while the one units, which are charged at Sh1.8 million, are all sold out. Similarly, the two and three-unit, which range between Sh2.5 million and Sh5 million, are at 62 percent,” Abala said.
He added that the ongoing mixed-use housing developments in Anderson and Lumumba are set to serenade the city’s skyline and provide decent and affordable living spaces to many people.
Mr Abala estimated that the expansive areas will be the most populated Central Business District (CBD 2), and are set to accommodate over 15,000 people once they are completed.
This is coupled with the presence of Kisumu Polytechnic, Moi Stadium, and other schools located nearby.
According to the City’s Geospatial Plans revealed by the city boss, they intend to urbanize the areas by expanding walkways, roads, drainage, and sewer line systems. Anderson and Lumumba Housing projects will add 3,000 and 2,000 units.”
He envisions the transformation of the city’s 40 percent unutilized land through a robust infrastructure development, thus setting in place a beehive of economic growth.
“We also welcome the interested buyers to come to Makasembo tomorrow. The revolutionary change of affordable housing should be embraced by the Kisumu residents and further take advantage by buying the completed ones,” Abala advised, while allaying fears that the houses are expensive to the common mwananchi.
“When you pay a deposit of Sh 180,000, the house will be enlisted in your name. So, the normal rent that you are accustomed to paying is enough for you to pay the remainder within five years.”
He stressed that: “The city residents should not complain or lag because the existing estates are old. We want to address housing shortages due to the ever-rising population. The issues surrounding the existence of old estates, such as Arina and Ondiek estates, are emerging. We will give them timelines after completing negotiations.”
Soon, he pointed out that similar housing developments will pave the way for informal settlements like Obunga, Mosque, and Manyatta Arabs to receive a new facelift.
Sitting on the expansive 11.6-acre parcel of land (47,245 sqm), the construction of the Sh3.5 billion Makasembo Housing project began in March 2021.
In line with the Affordable Housing Agenda under the MTP-IV of Kenya Vision 2030, and the Bottoms Up Economic Transformation Agenda, it consists of 1,870 units and ample parking spaces for 1,754 vehicles.
“There are 527 Low-Cost Units (1,2 &3 bedrooms), and 1,300 Medium-Cost (two-three bedrooms)units. Other amenities include: Preschool, solar power, a borehole, high-speed lifts, and recreational gardens for communal and play areas.”
Dr Ruto’s visit will culminate in the national celebrations of Madaraka Day on June 1st at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay town.
“Let all Kisumu City residents come out in large numbers and welcome the Head of State and the various guests,” the city manager urged.
