Kisumu’s Kibuye and Muhoroni’s Shauri Yako Estates Slated for Transformation Under PINUA Initiative
CITY HALL, Kisumu, October – Kisumu County and UN Habitat have formally signed a letter of intent paving the way for a major social housing upgrade in the Kibuye and Shauri Yako estates located in Kisumu Central and Muhoroni Sub-Counties respectively.
The signing which took place on Wednesday, October 1st between UN Habitat Executive Director in Kenya Ms Anacláudia Rossbach and Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o-led administration, commits the partners to the Partnership for the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda (PINUA) project.
This initiative, with a concurrent investment of Sh2.7 billion in Nairobi and Kisumu, aims to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and community-led development.
Ms Rossbach reaffirmed the organization’s global mandate to promote transformative change in cities.
“For us this partnership is important in the implementation of the newly established plan that focuses on access to housing, digital transformation of informal settlements for all,” she stated at City Hall, Kisumu, highlighting the alignment with agreements with the Kenyan government.
She also pointed to Kisumu’s “tremendous potential” as a model for other local governments in Kenya, Africa, and the Global South.
Governor Nyong’o detailed the county’s comprehensive housing vision stating that his government has a big program of housing for all sectors of the society,.
He explained the mixed approach which includes providing land for self-building and constructing houses for sale or rent.
Prof Nyong’o emphasized that the PINUA partnership specifically targets the less fortunate, reaffirming his commitment to supporting sustainable neighborhoods with essential social amenities.
According to UN Habitat Housing Architect Fred Omenya, the pilot phase is set to break ground in January 2026 in Kibuye, starting with two blocks of 24 housing units, eventually totaling 360. These will be one and two-bedroom affordable units, owned by the county for its rental stock.
In a unique funding model for Phase I, UN Habitat will bear 100 percent of the building construction costs, estimated at Sh1.8 million for a one-bedroom (50 sqms), Sh2.4 for a two bedroom (64 sqms), and Sh2.7 million for a three-bedroom unit.
The project also includes critical infrastructure upgrades to sewer, water, and power lines, alongside social amenities like green spaces, Early Childhood Development (ECDE) centres, and a dispensary.
The Shauri Yako area in Muhoroni will see a different, community-enabling approach, facilitating the construction of up to 800 houses of various sizes.
Critically, 20 houses will be provided free of charge to the most vulnerable community members. The remaining 780 units will be supported through a cooperative financial model, backed by the EU, allowing residents to borrow against their savings.
Omenya further explained that they will not flatten the whole of Kibuye estate, but will demolish about five blocks to construct two highrise blocks thus accommodating half of the residents in 24 units.
“We don’t expect the displacement of anybody who’s living there, but expects to add more people,” he said.
This landmark development follows extensive public participation forums with residents of the beneficiary areas, ensuring the project is community-led.
“This is not just about housing, but dignity, opportunity and peace,” Governor Nyong’o attested. “By investing in secure homes, Kisumu is proving that housing for all is possible.”
