Three years after President William Ruto assumed office, one of his flagship projects- the Affordable Housing Programme has been lauded for creating jobs and opportunities for change in Siaya County, bringing job opportunities and boosting small businesses.
In Ukwala, Ugenya Constituency, some residents are already seeing the benefits. While Kisumu has larger housing projects, Siaya is also experiencing direct economic gains as more people get work and more customers flock to local businesses.
Ukwala Affordable Housing Project Creates Steady Jobs
In Ukwala, the Affordable Housing drive plans to deliver 340 new housing units and community facilities. This development has created 100–120 jobs every day, creating consistent employment opportunities for cooks working in eateries, cleaners, security guards, and general labourers.
Many residents who previously struggled to earn a living now have a more stable source of income.
Business owners are also noticing the positive changes. Food vendors, shop owners, and suppliers say the project has brought them reliable customers and better sales.
Shantel Atieno, who sells food to workers at the site, says the project has significantly increased her daily income, noting that the growing number of people working on construction sites is driving demand.
“We started with 20 people, and the number kept improving as days went by. By the end of the week, I have some reassurance that I will take some money home,” said Shantel, adding that her food business now receives customers every day, giving her confidence that she will earn enough to support her family.
Also Read: 5,500 Interns Commissioned to Work Under Affordable Housing Programme
Transport Operators and Suppliers Earn More
As the project grows, boda boda riders are also benefiting because of the increased movement of people and goods around the site. Riders who spoke to the media said they are now making more trips, carrying both workers and supplies, which has boosted their daily income.
One boda boda operator said he now gets more customers because of the constant activity at the construction site.
“Since this affordable housing project started, I have been carrying people to and from the site, which has helped me earn some money daily. I also carry luggage for the businesspeople around here who facilitate the project, like charcoal for the cooks at the site when required.”
Hardware shops and suppliers in Ukwala have also seen a sharp rise in sales. Construction has created a demand for building materials and tools, bringing more people into their shops.
A local hardware shop owner explained that before the project, their sales were slow and limited to basic items. Now, the variety of goods they sell has increased because of the new customers drawn in by the construction work.
“Before the affordable housing came, we were only selling spare parts and accessories, but we are able to sell a variety of products now that we have visitors,” mentioned the shop owner.
The increased movement of people has also made the town livelier. More consultants, workers, and suppliers are visiting Ukwala, creating business for hotels, shops, and short-term rentals.
Also Read: Affordable Housing Push Creates 330,000 Jobs, Injects Ksh 11B into Jua Kali and Small Businesses
A businessman in Ukwala said the town used to be quiet in the evenings, but the project has changed that as more visitors now come to the area.
“Before August, shops in Ukwala closed at 8 PM, and hotels were not being booked, but after the initiation of this project, this has changed. We have consultants coming.”
Kisumu Projects Support Regional Growth
Kisumu County, which neighbours Siaya, also has housing projects that are helping the whole region grow. These developments bring many workers and visitors into the area, and some of them pass through Siaya or do business with local people.
In May 2025, President William Ruto opened the first phase of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project, which delivered 910 completed homes, and launched the next phase, aiming for a total of 1,870 units. He also toured the Lumumba Estate Project, where 2,348 houses are being built, and 1,800 workers are on the site every day.
Kisumu also has other projects, including the NSSF–County partnership at Milimani Estate, where 164 units were launched in October 2025, and a KSh2.7 billion UN‑Habitat partnership to upgrade social housing, with 360 units under construction in early 2026.
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