By Agwanda Saye
Governor Nyong’o speaking during the 4th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC) at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu / Images by Calvin Randy.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has said that the national and county governments must act, not as competing jurisdictions,but as co-owners of a unified Housing vision,jointly responsible for planning, resourcing, implementing and monitoring progress.
Speaking during the 4th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC) held at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel in Kisumu, the Governor welcomed guests from across Kenya, the East African region, and international delegations from India, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
The event was also graced by Hon. Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, alongside representatives from the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), housing developers, financiers, and other key sector stakeholders.
Nyong’o said that in delivering affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing. “One clear issue around all this, however, is that in order to scale delivery on this matter counties must activate their lever of influence with urgency and strategic intent,” he added.
Nyong’o further said that his government continues to play a significant role in actualizing the Affordable housing agenda and they have embedded housing within their Urban Development strategy, continue to avail titled land,streamlining needful approvals through digitalism platforms and investing in supporting infrastructure to unlock private investment.
“Projects like Makasembo in partnership with LAPFUND(1200+ units),Kanyakwar with National Housing Corporation (2,600 units) and Kirembe are all underway and the initiatives are not just about housing units, they are about restoring dignity,expanding home ownership and building inclusive communities” Governor Nyong’o added.
He further said that the central responsibility of the county government is not just an implementer of the last resort but an equal partner to the National Government in the agenda of affordable housing which is a constitutionally shared mandate.
