Kiambu: Officials from the affordable housing programme in Kiambu, alongside the project's contractor, held a meeting with local Jua Kali artisans in Kiambu town. The purpose of the meeting was to inform the artisans about potential opportunities available to them within the construction project.
According to Kenya News Agency, the meeting was led by Kiambu County Director for Housing, Charles Kiarie, and focused on exploring subcontracting opportunities for Kamirithu Jua Kali artisans. The artisans are expected to supply window and door panels for the ongoing housing project. It was agreed that the project would start once the financial gap between the contractor and artisans was addressed.
Kiarie stated, "We are here today to finalize quotations for the fabrication of metal windows and doors that will be used in the project and to sensitize the artisans on the affordable housing programme and how they can benefit from the project in order to uplift their economic standards." He further added that there would be educational sessions on how artisans could acquire housing units once completed.
The artisans, part of the Jua Kali Artisans Association, consist of eight groups that successfully secured the tender to supply building components for the government-backed initiative. Charles Gaikia, Chairperson of the association, expressed gratitude for the government's support, highlighting that the project had boosted their profile. He urged the government to include their association in more phases of the Affordable Housing Project across the country.
Gaikia remarked, "In April, we received a payment of Sh10 million for fabricating and supplying metal windows and doors for the first phase of the affordable housing project in Nyandarua County, and we are honoured to receive yet another opportunity in Kiambu. We appreciate the government for not only addressing the country's housing deficit but also creating employment opportunities and empowering local artisans."
Kiambu County has designated over 10 acres of prime land for President William Ruto's national affordable housing project, with multiple sites ready for development, including the Bustani site and Depot Estate in Thika, and the Council Estate in Kiambu town.
Moreover, the European Investment Bank has invested Sh3.2 billion in International Housing Solutions (HIS) Kenya to deliver over 3,000 affordable energy-efficient housing units in Kiambu, with construction already underway in Tilisi estate.