Small businesses thrive as Kisumu's Lumumba affordable housing project completion nears

Every afternoon, more than 1,200 construction workers stream out for lunch, forming long queues at the over 10 makeshift food stalls serving the busy site. The daily routine has become a source of income for dozens of small traders who have set up businesses around the project, responding to the steady footfall generated by the massive construction works.

The Boma Yangu-supported project, situated in Kisumu Central Constituency, is among the largest under the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). Its scale makes it visible from the main highway as motorists approach the city, marking a significant change in a neighbourhood long associated with ageing residential blocks.

During an inspection tour, Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, noted that the development is intended to ease Kisumu’s housing deficit.

“The 2,384-unit residential project offers a solution to the housing shortage experienced in the county. We have similar complete and ongoing projects in 111 constituencies across the 47 counties,” Hinga said. “Our projects include auxiliary infrastructure to support socio-economic activity within these spaces.”

The Lumumba project features 452 Social Housing units, 1,192 Affordable Housing units, and 740 Market-Rate units. Its location places future residents within walking distance of schools, shopping centres, health facilities, and recreational spaces — an arrangement officials say is essential for improving liveability in growing urban areas.

Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Amb. Julius Bitok, welcomed the attempt to integrate essential amenities into new housing developments.

“We are excited that the project sits next to Kaloleni Muslim Primary School, United Mall and Kisumu Polytechnic, among other key amenities found in Kisumu,” he said.

During the same visit, Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Dr. Raymond Omollo, highlighted the broader social benefits of the new estates.

“Having safe, secure spaces is the cornerstone of better living,” he said, adding that improved policing infrastructure within housing projects could help reduce crime and provide a safer environment for families and businesses.

As the project progresses towards the finishing stage, the number of casual workers is expected to rise. Many will be assessed and certified through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme to support skilled installation and final works.

For residents of the wider Lumumba area, the construction has brought both disruption and new opportunities — from booming food stalls to increased demand for transport and rental spaces. With the project over halfway complete, expectations are growing that it will soon open a new chapter for one of Kisumu’s oldest neighbourhoods.