Construction Starts on Kenya’s Sh1.2 Billion Affordable Housing Project

Posted on : Friday , 1st May 2026

Construction has officially commenced on a Sh1.2 billion Affordable Housing Project in Kenya's Suneka town, Bonchari Constituency, Kisii County, following the handover of the site by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) under Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme.

During the handover ceremony, SDHUD Western Rift regional team leader Nyaigoti Mogeni announced that the development will deliver 500 housing units across various categories, including social housing, affordable homes, and market-rate units aimed at middle-income earners.

Mogeni explained that the project has been planned with residents’ comfort and convenience in mind, featuring supporting amenities such as ample parking, dependable water supply, electricity infrastructure, solid waste management systems, and a clubhouse.

He noted that the construction is expected to create significant employment opportunities for local residents, with contractors set to hire masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and unskilled labourers. In addition, building materials will be sourced locally once they meet the required quality standards.

The project will also serve as a pilot site for recognising practical skills gained by workers through on-site experience, helping many earn formal certification.

Mogeni encouraged residents to register on the Boma Yangu platform to qualify for home ownership under the programme, requiring a five percent deposit followed by structured payments. He assured the community that both national and county implementation teams would closely monitor the project to guarantee timely delivery and quality standards.

While appreciating Kisii County for availing land for the housing initiative, he urged local authorities to identify land in Kitutu Chache North, the only constituency in the county yet to secure a site for a similar development.

Representing the main contractor, Lavasa Construction Company Limited, Director Vijay PS pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the housing scheme.

Kisii County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Grace Nyarango confirmed that the land allocated for the project belongs to the county government and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting the contractor for timely completion.

She highlighted Suneka town’s importance as a thriving commercial centre, widely known for its open-air market serving local communities and neighbouring regions. Located strategically along the Kisii-Migori Highway, the new housing development is expected to provide quality accommodation for people supporting the town’s growing economy.

Nyarango also called for continued cooperation between county and national governments to drive more development in the region.

Kisii County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga said the project would strengthen the local economy and improve livelihoods by generating hundreds of jobs during the expected 18-month construction period. He urged local leaders to support the initiative without political interference, warning that politicisation could slow progress.

Chaunga also encouraged chiefs to take a leading role in educating residents on the benefits of the project, particularly home ownership opportunities and employment creation.

Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence in the positive transformation it will bring to the community. Bomorenda Ward MCA John Ombati praised both levels of government for launching the project, describing it as a major step toward addressing housing demand while stimulating broader economic growth.

Ombati further appealed to the national government to fast-track the construction of Suneka Airstrip and the rehabilitation of Suneka Stadium to further enhance the area’s economic potential.

The Suneka project becomes the fifth Affordable Housing development in Kisii County, joining ongoing projects in Nyanchwa, Ogembo, Nyaribari Masaba, and Nyachenge.

The Housing Department has committed approximately Sh3 billion to affordable housing and related infrastructure projects across Kisii. These include several Economic Stimulus Programme markets such as Etago (Sh169 million), Motonto and Ramasha (Sh140 million), Egetuki and Masimba (Sh110 million), Nyambera modern market in Kisii town (Sh349 million), Mogonga and Nyamatutu (Sh106 million), Riana and Nyakoe (Sh109 million), and Nyamaiya and Nyangusu (Sh110 million).

The Affordable Housing Programme is a national initiative aimed at increasing access to decent, safe, and affordable homes for Kenyan citizens, while also strengthening housing supply, stimulating demand, and creating a supportive policy environment.