Members of Parliament have begun a two-day inspection tour of ongoing Affordable Housing projects in Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
The exercise, led by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, kicked off on Monday, following a directive to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development to facilitate the visits.
Committee Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno emphasized the importance of expediting the completion of ongoing Affordable Housing and Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market projects in Nairobi County, noting that they are key to realizing President William Ruto’s flagship housing agenda.
As part of their oversight mandate, the legislators are engaging contractors and Ministry of Housing officials to assess progress and address emerging challenges. The inspection will later extend to other parts of the country.
On the first day, the MPs toured South B ESP Modern Market, Mukuru Meteorological Social Housing, Shauri Moyo A & B Affordable Housing projects, Jogoo Road Phase 1 Housing Project, and Riruta Modern ESP Market.
Today, the team is expected to visit Mathare 1 and 2 Housing Projects, Mathare North Modern Market, Kamiti Social Housing Lot 1, Maji Mazuri Modern Market, and Ruai Wholesale Market Hub.
During the site visits, the committee raised concerns about the adequacy of social amenities such as schools and hospitals for future homeowners and market traders.
Ng’eno reiterated the need for timely completion, noting that there are no payment or labor challenges hindering progress that could justify project delays.
While commending the steady progress of several ongoing projects, the parliamentary committee noted that the Shauri Moyo Affordable Housing Project had initially stalled but has since resumed construction.
According to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the delay stemmed from a shift in the project’s development model — transitioning from a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to a Milestone Payment Model, which required adjustments to the contractual framework.
The MPs also urged the State Department to collaborate with local leaders in identifying nearby schools that can be expanded to accommodate the growing population of new homeowners in areas where there is limited space for constructing new institutions.
The inspection forms part of a week-long oversight tour covering Affordable Housing and Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) market projects across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.
Committee members present during the exercise included Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno, Kakai Bisau (Kiminini MP), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti MP), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town MP), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia County Woman Representative), and John Kiarie (Dagoretti South MP).
