Kiambu Gov't puts grabbers on notice after encroachment on land set aside for affordable housing

The Kiambu County government has put on notice individuals who have illegally acquired land meant for construction of affordable houses. 

County Housing Board Chairperson Robert Waihenya said most of the public land set aside for the projects has been grabbed, but vowed that measures are under way to repossess it. 

Waihenya spoke during an assessment of ongoing construction works of 425 affordable units in Thika's Depot area undertaken by the National Housing Board at a cost of Ksh 3.5 billion. 

He divulged that at the Thika site, some individuals had grabbed space meant for a parking lot, but assured that both the county and national governments were out to ensure the land reverts back for the intended purpose. 

The Nairobi Metropolitan Regional Director for Housing Don Kagicha said the latest Thika project is scheduled to be completed by 2026 and it is part of three others in the town. 

Kagicha added that the national government is working in co-operation with regional governments to deliver President William Ruto's pledge to enable Kenyans to own decent homes. 

He said so far similar housing projects are ongoing in various areas including Ruiru, Nairobi, Machakos and other towns with many nearing completion. 

The Thika Mucipal manager Gathii Kanyi said the county government plans to construct 25,000 housing units in the town and the national government project goes a long way to complement this. 

He also appealed to residents to take advantage of the housing projects as the county government plans to transform the town to an industrial smart city. 

Kanyi also said the municipality stands to gain from increased water supply from the Karimenu 2 Dam project and expansion of roads in collaboration with national government.