Kisumu’s Sh5.8 Billion Lumumba Housing Project Reaches 90% Completion

 

The Sh5.8 billion Lumumba Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu has hit the 90 per cent completion mark, signaling major progress in one of the Nyanza region’s largest housing developments. A multi-agency inspection team led by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Belio Kipsang, made the confirmation during an oversight visit on Friday.

Dr. Kipsang, who headed a delegation of over 10 Principal Secretaries under the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC), said the project remains firmly on schedule and is set for completion by June 2026.

He noted that the contractor was working intensively to meet timelines and support the government’s agenda of expanding access to affordable housing.

Located in the heart of Kisumu City, the project features 15 blocks, each rising 17 floors, and will deliver 2,348 housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme. The units are categorized into social housing, affordable units, and market-rate apartments to cater to diverse income groups.

Economic Boost for Kisumu

The PS emphasized that the project has become a vital economic engine for the region, employing about 1,200 workers daily since construction began in June last year.

Most workers, he said, are youth engaged in masonry, steelwork, plumbing, electrical installation, and finishing works.

“This project has created employment for local youth and other professionals. It speaks to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to reducing unemployment while addressing the housing deficit,” Dr. Kipsang said, lauding the contractor for maintaining steady progress.

High Uptake and Growing Demand

Nyanza Regional Director for Housing and Urban Development Jared Buoga reported strong demand for the units, with uptake currently standing at about 60 per cent.

He explained that the government has appointed Tyson’s as the realtor managing applications and purchase processes, while all payments and expressions of interest are being handled through the BomaYangu platform.

“Across all categories except market-rate units, buyers are required to pay a 5 per cent deposit before transitioning to the tenant-purchase scheme where monthly payments continue until the full value is settled,” Buoga said.

Buoga further revealed that the Nyanza region has about 80 planned housing projects, comprising nearly 18,000 units across the six counties, with 37 already under construction. He encouraged Kenyans both locally and abroad to register via the BomaYangu portal or by dialing *USSD code 834# at a fee of Sh200 to apply for available units.

Boosting Youth Skills Through RPL

The project has also emerged as a training and certification hub for skilled workers lacking formal qualifications.

James Olando, Industry Liaison Officer at Kisumu National Polytechnic, said the initiative is advancing skills development through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

“So far, 129 highly skilled youths have been certified, and another 256 are undergoing assessment. This will open doors for both local and international employment opportunities,” Olando said.

He added that the government has subsidized assessment fees from Sh25,000 to Sh3,000, with on-site assessments costing Sh1,500, making the program more accessible to young workers.

With the project fast approaching completion, Kisumu is on track for a major transformation, promising modern housing, expanded job opportunities, and improved social infrastructure for residents.