The County Government of Kiambu has called for applications from interested and qualified Jua Kali artisans to partner with the department of land and housing in implementing the Affordable Housing Agenda (AFA).
In an advert, the county government stated that it will collaborate with the State Department of Housing and Urban Development in constructing over 50,000 housing units during the 2023/24 financial year.
“This presents enormous opportunities for the Jua Kali sector specifically for Painting, General Fabrication, Steel Works and Related Trades, Woodwork, Carpentry and Joinery, Plumbing and Building Services, Metal/steel works and Welding, Masonry, Electrical Installation Technicians, Solar Installation Technicians, Catering Services and Mechanical Services,” read part of the advert.
The County identified several sites for the AFA including Lari, Limuru, Kikuyu, Kabete, Kiambu, Githunguri, Juja, Ruiru, Githurai and Thika Municipalities.
Interested artisans are required to present their documents in hard copies in the respective Sub-County Physical Planning Offices during normal working hours on or before 18th August 2023.
Jua Kali Applicants Mandatory Requirements
The mandatory requirements for the partner are set by Kiambu County Government include:
- Must be registered with the relevant government bodies like MSEA or Registrar of Companies.
- Ability and capacity to undertake given assignments.
- Have successfully undertaken an assignment of similar nature.
Further, the county government stated that organized groups such as Associations will have an added advantage in the vetting process.
Also Read: Govt’ Announces Tenders for Affordable Housing: How to Apply
Ruto On Jua Kali Job Creation Through Affordable Housing
President William Ruto has consistently defended his ambitious housing project saying it will create job opportunities for the youth.
Speaking in Roysambu Primary School on June 20, during the launch of the Nairobi County School Feeding Programme, Ruto said that the politicians opposing the housing levy have good houses with good lighting and sewage but do not want slum dwellers to experience the same.
“People who are opposing the housing programme are the enemies of the people. The houses are for the benefit of the people, for them to become homeowners. I made a promise to them,” he said.
Further, the president added that the housing programme will create more jobs for the youth who will be employed at the construction sites as masons, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
“We will be creating more than one million jobs through the program. The houses will not only be constructed in Nairobi but across the country, everyone will be included; plumbers, carpenters,” he said.
Also Read: Govt Gives Direction on Housing Levy Imposed on Employed Kenyans
Affordable Housing Budget Allocation
Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u allocated Ksh35.2 billion for the affordable housing scheme in the Ksh 3.6 trillion budget for the current fiscal year.
“I propose to the national assembly to effect the allocation of Khs35.2 billion for the housing programme.
This includes Ksh7.3 billion at KeNHa, Ksh 5 billion for KMRC, Ksh 3.2 billion for the construction of affordable housing and Ksh 3.3 billion for the construction of social housing units,” said Ndung’u.
In addition, the CS also emphasized that AFA would create more job opportunities especially for the unemployed youth.