Kwale: The affordable social housing projects and modern fresh produce markets in Kwale County are evolving rapidly.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) spearheaded by the national government is creating opportunities for improved living conditions in urban centers. This initiative, under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is a transformative effort by the Kenya Kwanza government to tackle the country's housing shortage.
In Kwale, the AHP includes several ongoing construction projects: the Matuga 200 units, Diani Whitehouse 200 units, Mbokoni smart city 155 units, and the Diani modern fresh produce market. The site agent at the Matuga affordable housing project, Samson Kaarie, reports the project is 50 percent complete and is expected to be fully finalized by December 2025. Kaarie highlights that the Matuga AHP integrates 195 residential units with essential amenities such as 10 shops, a kindergarten, a basketball pitch, a playground, and commercial blocks, creating a self-sustaining community.
Launched in July 2024, the Matuga housing project is set to transform Kwale Town with modern high-rise units, a commercial block, 10 shops, a kindergarten, and key social amenities. With over 130 workers, mostly local youth, employed at the site, the project not only builds homes but also provides jobs and empowers local youth and women with income and skills.
The Diani affordable housing project, featuring 154 units, is also progressing well with Sihaam Ltd overseeing the construction. Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde notes the AHP aims to address the housing deficit and uplift communities. Leading the National Government Development-County Implementation, Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC) inspection tour, Orinde encourages residents to seize the opportunity to acquire sustainable and affordable homes.
Orinde emphasizes that the AHP is a beacon of hope for Kenyans aspiring to own homes, making them accessible and sustainable for all, especially low-income families. Accompanied by Esther Mazera from the Government Delivery Unit and Deputy Director Cindy Kuria from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Orinde underscores the state's commitment to completing ongoing public infrastructure projects to stimulate socio-economic growth.
Key projects in Kwale include the Sh20 billion Mwache multipurpose dam, the Sh173,702,296 million Diani airport expansion project, and the Sh538 million Mwachande bridge connecting Msambweni, Kinango, and Lunga Lunga sub-counties, among others. These initiatives aim to enhance local connectivity, reduce traffic, support businesses, and promote economic development.
Orinde states that multiagency inspections assess project progress, address challenges, and ensure timely completion, emphasizing that no project should exceed the stipulated timeline. The NGD-CICMC team also assessed the Diani modern fresh produce market's progress. Foreman Simon Kiiru reports the market, with 400 stalls, is 94 percent complete, engaging 60 workers and boosting local employment and economy.
The market, once operational, will accommodate 500 traders with 400 modern stalls and 100 additional spaces for diverse businesses. Designed to serve economic and social functions, the market will feature cold storage facilities, ICT hubs, a mothers' room, a food court, and a 200-seater social hall, fostering trade, community interaction, innovation, and inclusive growth in Kwale.