The State Department for Housing and Urban Development is partnering with Gulfcap real estate to break ground on the Starehe affordable housing program on Monday.
President William Ruto will preside over the event, marking a significant step towards the country’s goal of constructing 200,000 housing units annually to address the housing deficit.
Chris Ochieng, CEO of Gulfcap real estate, says the development will provide over 6,000 housing units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as social houses. The project aims to cater to a broad range of clients, including low-income earners who have been facing difficulties in accessing affordable housing in Nairobi.
Initially, about 300 houses occupied the 24-acre piece of land, but the tenants were relocated to make way for the development. The Starehe affordable housing program is the fourth project launched this year, after Homabay, Ruiru, and Shauri Moyo, signaling the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for all Kenyans.
In addition to providing affordable housing, Gulfcap real estate is partnering with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to train young people and women in the construction industry. The CEO notes that the industry is predominantly male-dominated and sees the need to involve women and young people in construction.
Sabina Wanjiku, from Buildher, an organization supporting and training women in construction, lauds the Kenyan government’s continued support towards women in construction.
She urges women to take advantage of the opportunities to grow in the industry, noting that women can even be better than men in the construction industry due to their precision.
