High-Rise Surge in Eldoret Leaves Local Hardware Dealers Smiling to the Bank

The rapid vertical expansion of Eldoret is becoming a primary driver for the local economy as several multi-billion shilling housing projects move toward completion. Local hardware dealers and construction material suppliers are reporting a sustained surge in business, fueled by the intense civil works and finishing phases of the government's affordable housing program.

Current activity is centered on several strategic sites, most notably the Pioneer and Kidiwa estates. At the Pioneer Affordable Housing project, the landscape has been redefined by high-rise residential blocks designed to house over 1,500 families. This project, situated in the Kapseret Constituency, is part of a broader plan to introduce approximately 10,000 new units to the city to address the housing deficit accompanying Eldoret's recent elevation to city status.

Local traders have noted that the sheer scale of these developments has created a consistent demand for cement, steel, and interior finishing materials. The influx of workers and the logistical requirements of these massive sites have turned the surrounding areas into hives of industrial activity. Observations from the ground indicate that hardware owners in Eldoret are seeing some of their best returns in years, as the government pushes to meet its delivery timelines for 2026.

In the Kidiwa area, Phase One of the housing initiative is nearing its final stages. Recent inspections by the State Department of Housing and Urban Development confirmed that while some segments faced earlier delays due to contractor evaluations and technical standards, the momentum has returned. The Kidiwa project includes a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, catering to various income levels under the Boma Yangu framework.

The impact of these projects extends beyond the physical structures. Governor Jonathan Bii has previously highlighted that the housing surge is expected to trigger a significant population increase, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 people could eventually move into the new developments in Kidiwa and Pioneer. This anticipated growth is already prompting discussions regarding the expansion of city utilities, particularly water and sewerage infrastructure, to support the high-density living model.

Despite the progress, the journey has not been without its hurdles. Late last year, the Kidiwa site experienced brief labor disruptions as workers protested over payment schedules. However, the resumption of full-scale activity in early 2026 suggests these administrative issues are being resolved to keep the projects on track.

As these blocks reach their full height, the architectural profile of Eldoret is shifting from low-density bungalows to modern, multi-story apartments. For the hardware sector, this transition represents a long-term shift in the market, as the demand for maintenance materials and secondary construction continues to rise in the wake of the primary project completions.