Kitengela jua kali artisans to benefit from ongoing Ksh.100M affordable housing, market projects

Jua Kali artisans in Kitengela are set to gain from contracts worth about Ksh.100 million through the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). Under the plan, members of the Kitengela Jua Kali Association will supply steel doors, windows, balustrades, carpentry and joinery fittings, painting, tiling, and landscaping works for ongoing projects.

The initiative follows the groundbreaking of the Boma Yangu Kitengela Veterinary Estate, a mixed-use housing project that will feature affordable, social, and market-rate units, alongside retail shops, a kindergarten, a clubhouse, and utility facilities.

According to Joseph Kagicha, the Regional Lead for the project, more than 400 workers, mainly local youth and women, are currently engaged on site, supported by 18 professionals. The construction is running on a double-shift system to fast-track delivery timelines.

“We have over 400 workers, mainly local youth and women engaged on-site, supported by eighteen professionals including engineers and technical staff.  To ensure that we meet the set timelines, the site is operating on a double-shift system, effectively doubling the number of workers engaged and amplifying the project’s direct impact on household incomes in the area,” he added.

In addition to housing, the government is also constructing the Kitengela Modern Market in Sholinke Ward, which is expected to provide trading space for about 2,500 vendors. The market project has integrated the Sholinke Ward Jua Kali Association into its supply chain through contracts worth over Ksh.14 million.

The market development will include a main trading block, administrative offices, an ablution facility, waste management areas, and utilities such as solar panels, a borehole, and backup power. It will also feature a boda boda shed and paved external spaces to improve circulation for traders and customers.

Both projects are part of efforts to expand affordable housing while stimulating local economic activity through job creation and support for small-scale artisans.