Gov’t Urged to Prioritize Mukuru, Mariguini Residents in Nairobi South Housing Project

The national government has been urged to prioritize Mukuru and Mariguini residents in Nairobi South’s affordable housing project.

Speaking during a meeting with the informal settlement residents with the area Member of County Assembly Waithera Chege, Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya praised the government’s affordable housing project in Mukuru, Nairobi, saying it will transform the lives of thousands of families living in informal settlements.

According to Gakuya any remaining units that will not be sold should be handed over to the Nairobi County Government for rental to those unable to buy.

“The houses should first go to residents. The remaining units should be managed by the county government so that those unable to purchase can still access decent housing through rental,” Gakuya stated.

This is even as the area MCA and Nairobi City County Assembly Deputy Minority leader Waithera Chege urged the resident of her ward to disregard politicians opposed to the project, saying it guarantees dignity and security for low-income families.

According to Waithera, the housing project will transform their lives even as she pushes to ensure that there is development through the WDP whose budget she stated was already set and passed in the current fiscal year.

“Ignore cheap politics. This is about decent housing, especially for those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid,” she said.

She added that all projects currently ongoing in her ward mostly are funded by the national government and that is why she has been pushing for the removal of governor Sakaja from office.

“The current ongoing projects in Nairobi South like the market that’s coming up smoothly, is by the national government. The county executive has left garbage everywhere not just here in South B. That is why me and Sakaja cannot be friends,” she stated.

“It is almost a year since the residents filled the bursary forms but they are yet to receive. We approved and passed the budget for that. I have been fighting for these residents because they need delivery from the county,” she added.

Affordable Housing acting CEO Sheila Waweru revealed that Phase Two is already complete, and President William Ruto is expected to hand over the next batch of units next month.

“These houses belong to you. We are also opening another window for applications because the Boma Yangu project is for all Kenyans, though you were given first priority,” she said.

“Since reopening registration two weeks ago, all 4,536 houses have already been taken up,” she added.

The Mukuru project is part of President Ruto’s flagship Affordable Housing Programme. In May, he commissioned Lot 1–Phase 1, which included 5,616 bedsitters.

Construction is ongoing for Lot 2 and Lot 3, which will deliver 3,024 one-bedroom and 4,608 two-bedroom units.