By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya has completed Phase I of the Machakos Township Affordable Housing Project, marking a key milestone in the government’s ambitious plan to provide accessible homes for low- and middle-income earners.
The first phase delivers 220 housing units, priced from KSh 1.5 million, as part of the broader national initiative to address the country’s 2.4 million-unit housing deficit.
The project forms a cornerstone of President William Ruto’s Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to replicate aspects of Singapore’s successful public housing model.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Principal Secretary for Interior Dr. Raymond Omollo lauded the development as proof of the government’s commitment to ensuring decent and affordable shelter for all Kenyans. He added that the initiative also supports local employment, with thousands of youth and artisans benefiting from construction jobs.
The project is partially financed through the 1.5% housing levy deducted from salaried workers, a policy that has faced both praise and legal scrutiny. Supporters argue it provides sustainable funding for public housing, while critics have raised concerns about affordability, transparency, and inclusivity.
Despite the debate, officials say planning for Phase II is already underway, with the goal of expanding access to affordable homes in Machakos and other urban centers across the country.
