By Peter Ochieng
‘Ground has been broken,’ signaling the start of construction of a Sh5 billion affordable housing project in Kisumu County. The Anderson-Ofafa housing project is being spearheaded by LAPTRUST/ County Pension Fund (CPF) in partnership with the County government of Kisumu.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o said the 1,200 unit multi- billion housing project will be delivered in two phases.
“This project is a testament to our shared vision of unlocking value from existing properties and delivering sustainable returns to our stakeholders. Upon completion, the Anderson-Ofafa affordable housing project will provide 1,200 quality housing units, a big transformation to our cityscape,” said the county boss.
“It will be delivered in two phases at a total cost of Sh5 billion. It will have 950 parking lots. Phase I of the project is now approved and ready for roll out with the groundbreaking ceremony being done today. I have been briefed that the units will cost from Sh7 million for three bedrooms and shops to Sh4 million for one bedroom plus shops.”
The houses will consist of one bedroom, two bedrooms, three bedrooms and commercial units.
Nyong’o termed it a significant initiative that will in due course, turn into a source of employment for thousands of locals, through labour provision, supply of building materials, and various support services.
Dr. Hosea Kili, CPF Group Managing Director said demand for housing units in urban areas in the country stands at 250, 000 annually, against an estimated supply of 50,000, pointing out that that the housing segment of the national government’s bottom-up economic agenda presents an opportunity for pension funds to provide decent and affordable housing, stimulate economic growth and spur industrial growth, thus creating employment opportunities.
“We, at LAPTRUST and the County Pension Fund strongly believe in leading the way in coming up with innovative ways of solving problems; for the benefit of our members as well as our stakeholders,” he said.
“LAPTRUST, in line with its objective of delivering sustainable returns to its members, has a diversified investment portfolio that includes affordable housing, as a way of unlocking value on existing properties across various counties. The Anderson affordable housing project is one such real estate investment.”
The Anderson affordable housing project, Kili said, marks a significant milestone in the CPF Group’s commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities that thrive on innovation and economic empowerment.
He urged the contractor to treat the people of Kisumu with dignity, as he races against time to deliver the 1,200 units, directing that 40 percent of the construction materials be sourced locally.
Delivery of the 1,200 housing units within two years lies in the hands of contractor, Lu Lai Long, under the CRJE Covec consortium. He said his team will deliver within that time frame.
“We not here to not only build structures. We are giving opportunities to the locals to explore their potential,” he added.
Upon completion, residents will enjoy modern amenities which include residents’ lounge, landscaped gardens, piped gas, power backup for the entire development, borehole water supply, laundry facilities, water storage facilities, satellite TV and fiber optic infrastructure, CCTV surveillance, secure parking for residents and visitors and facilities for management staff.
The Anderson-Ofafa housing project is the second in Kisumu, after Makasembo which is ongoing.