Thika affordable housing projects to provide 3,000 units as President Ruto tours Kiambu

President William Ruto on Friday conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing construction at four key sites under the Affordable Housing Project in Thika, Kiambu County. The visit focused on the progress of high-density residential developments intended to house thousands of residents within the municipality.

The tour covered the Thika UTI, Thika Bustani, Thika Orchids, and Thika Depot projects. These four sites represent a significant concentration of the government’s urban renewal efforts in the region, with the combined developments expected to provide approximately 3,128 new homes upon completion.

At the Thika UTI site, works are underway for 593 units designed to accommodate roughly 2,000 residents. Nearby, the Thika Bustani project is slated to deliver 735 units for an estimated 2,500 people. The largest of the visited sites, Thika Orchids, also known as Kings' Orchid, will consist of 975 units with a projected capacity of 3,400 residents.

During the inspection, the President was accompanied by Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the projects are part of a broader national target to deliver 500,000 units across the country in 2026. Currently, approximately 320,000 units are at various stages of construction or completion nationwide.

The Thika Depot project, which is the fourth site inspected, will contribute 425 units to the local housing stock. This particular development is expected to serve about 1,400 residents. Beyond the housing units, the government highlighted the integration of local labor and materials into the construction supply chain.

The locals in Thika, particularly the Jua Kali sector, have been active participants in the project. Local artisans are supplying steel doors, windows, and other essential building materials. This approach is intended to ensure that the economic benefits of the multi-billion shilling investments remain within the Thika community.

In addition to manufacturing, the projects have created opportunities in landscaping, security, waste management, and site maintenance. President Ruto emphasized that the housing program is not only about shelter but also about generating employment for the youth. Government data indicates that the program currently supports over 640,000 jobs across the country.

While in Thika, the President also commissioned the upgrading of Thika Stadium, a Sh900 million project that will see the facility expanded to a 10,000-seat capacity. He further visited the Witeithie modern market in Juja, where he reiterated the commitment to improving trade environments for small-scale vendors.

The Thika housing developments are being built with modern amenities, including solar street lighting, green spaces, and community halls. These features are designed to create a balanced urban environment that meets minimum dwelling standards while remaining accessible to different income brackets.

The government continues to encourage Kenyans to register on the Boma Yangu platform to access these units. Applicants are required to pay a 5% deposit for their preferred units, with social housing options available for as little as Sh4,000 per month.