At Konza Technopolis in Malili, Makueni County, the construction of affordable housing is taking shape alongside the roads, walkways and infrastructure designed to support movement within Kenya’s emerging smart city.
Using modern aluminium formwork technology, construction teams are raising residential blocks while creating employment and equipping workers with new skills. The development’s 1,042 housing units are intended to accommodate workers, families and future residents as Konza’s industrial, commercial and educational facilities expand.
Supplied through South Korean firm Kumkang, the aluminium formwork system enables workers to cast concrete walls and floors into precise dimensions. The panels are removed and reused on subsequent sections, reducing dependence on timber and plywood while supporting consistency in construction.General Foreman Fredrick Muli says the construction team works towards completing a floor cycle in approximately seven days using the aluminium formwork system. The process allows the team to repeat the casting sequence across successive floors as the residential blocks rise.Supervising Engineer Caleb Chege says the technology produces smooth concrete surfaces that require less finishing than conventional masonry walls. Reusable panels also reduce construction debris associated with timber and plywood, helping maintain a cleaner site.The project is also supporting local enterprise by engaging Jua Kali artisans to manufacture doors and windows. The use of standardised building components allows local workshops to produce items to specified dimensions, creating business opportunities beyond the construction site.
The first phase of the Konza affordable housing development comprises 1,042 units across 11 blocks, covering social, affordable and market housing categories. Beyond providing accommodation for the emerging smart city’s workforce and residents, the project is creating jobs, developing technical skills and generating opportunities for businesses in surrounding communities.The planned urban layout is intended to improve connectivity between residential areas, workplaces and essential services, making it easier for residents and workers to move around the city as Konza’s industrial, commercial and institutional facilities expand.
Mary Wanjohi is a digital news correspondent at The Kenya Times driven by a deep commitment to truth, storytelling, and public service. With a background in Communication and Journalism, she has developed a strong foundation in news reporting, feature writing, and investigative research. Mary is passionate about uncovering stories that matter from community issues and social justice to politics and culture. She approaches every assignment with curiosity, integrity, and a dedication to accuracy. Her work reflects a belief that journalism is not just about reporting facts, but about giving voice to the voiceless and holding power to account. She can be reached at [email protected]
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