Kenya is pushing for international and local joint ventures to
execute the planned 8,000 low-cost housing units in Mavoko, Machakos
after domestic firms failed the test.
Transport,
Infrastructure and Urban Development Cabinet secretary James Macharia
said the move was meant to fast-track the mass housing development.
“No
local firm has the capacity for such developments and what we wanted
were companies that have a verifiable record of having handled mass
housing development. But we encourage joint ventures that will promote
local companies’ capacity as well as foster a practical
technology-transfer platform,” he said.
He said 35 companies had been shortlisted for the pilot project under an engineering and procuring construction model.
The
model allows winning bidders to source for financing and put up the
houses using affordable (of below Sh1.5 million) designs and
technologies that are time-efficient but of high quality.
“We
anticipate to break ground within the next three months in Mavoko but
our eyes are now looking at the 47 counties where each county will have a
project implemented while densely populated counties such as Nairobi,
Mombasa, Kiambu and Kisumu among others, will witness more high-rise
residential housing projects,” he said.
Mr
Macharia said counties had identified land for the projects expected to
ease the housing shortage, currently standing at two million units.
“Land
is a major hindrance to housing development as it constitutes up to 30
per cent of the building costs. Once we provide land, the builders using
alternative technologies will be able to enjoy fast-tracked processes
enabling them to utilise time and labour efficiently,” he said.
The
government has also pledged to provide essential infrastructure for the
projects as a way of attracting private sector involvement.
The
National Social Security Fund has also applied for the upcoming tenders
as well as several local pension schemes and equity funds keen on
partnering with building material manufacturers and contractors.
Kenya
has recently witnessed the launch of alternative building technology
firms such as Sh10 billion China Wu Yi Precast Company for building
material.
No comments :
Post a Comment