It's all systems go as the government is set to launch the Mavoko Affordable Housing Programme as President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four agenda continues to takes shape.

The groundbreaking which is set to take place this Saturday will see the construction of 5,360 units, costing the government slightly above Sh20 billion. 

Housing PS Charles Hinga said the project will take four years to complete. The project is in partnership with UN Habitat.

Given the uniqueness of the project, which will be on 55 acres, Hinga noted that it was the first affordable housing project undertaken by a local contractor .

"The uniqueness of this project is that it is being undertaken by a local contractor, hence money for the project will circulate locally ,"Hinga added.

Epco builders Limited managing director Ramji Varsani highlighted that the housing project is the biggest in Machakos county.

"It has been a long journey doing consultation on pricing, specification of the units, but finally the D-day is almost here," he said.

Epco has in total delivered of 10,000 units in Kenya in various projects.

The MD assured the government that Epco Builders will deliver good quality houses at an affordable price. 

Mavoko housing project will consist of 960 units for one bedroomed houses, 2,400 units for two bedroom, 1,440 units for three bedroom and 560 units for studio design.

PS Hinga also disclosed that the project will consist of a community centre, primary school, kindergarten, commercial centre, fire station and police station. 

"Adjacent to this project is the just-concluded Mavoko Sustainable Development Housing where we have put up the largest police station in Machakos county and probably the lower Eastern region and will be commissioned soon," he added.

Hinga noted that the government was delivering affordable housing and at the same time playing a part in creating employment opportunities for hundreds of youths and women who will work on-site.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, only 23.1 per cent of urban dwellers own a house indicating that Kenya lacks decent housing.

The Affordable Housing Programme, which was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta, is one of the pillars under the Big Four Agenda.

It is intended to provide decent and affordable housing to low and middle-income households By Maureen Kinyanjui, The Star