Government Accelerates KDF Housing Programme Under PPP Framework as Major Milestone Reached in Gilgil Project

The Government has announced continued progress in the implementation of a large-scale housing programme for members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), carried out under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement on a Build–Transfer basis, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing accommodation challenges within the military.

Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, confirmed the progress following an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works at Gilgil Barracks in Nakuru County, noting that the project has now reached approximately 80 percent completion. He said the pace of work reflects strong coordination between government agencies and private sector partners involved in delivering the transformative housing initiative.

The programme, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with development partners under the PPP framework and the government’s broader Affordable Housing agenda, is designed to improve living standards for service members of the Kenya Defence Forces while also promoting efficiency, dignity, and welfare within military institutions.

Dr. Kiptoo noted that the housing initiative represents one of the government’s flagship infrastructure investments in the security sector, emphasizing that it is structured not only to address housing shortages but also to stimulate employment creation and local economic activity through large-scale construction works across multiple counties.

Once completed, the programme will deliver a total of 3,069 housing units distributed across five key military installations: Roysambu Barracks, Nanyuki Barracks, Lanet Barracks, Gilgil Barracks, and Mariakani Barracks. Construction is ongoing concurrently at all sites, with different phases progressing at varying speeds depending on site conditions and contractor mobilization.

At Gilgil Barracks, which is among the most advanced sites, officials reported that finishing works, internal fittings, and supporting infrastructure are in their final stages, signaling that the project is nearing readiness for handover in phases. Dr. Kiptoo expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, noting that the site reflects the effectiveness of the PPP model in accelerating delivery of public infrastructure.

He further highlighted the Roysambu Barracks project as a key success milestone under the programme, confirming that 500 housing units have already been completed and officially commissioned. The Roysambu development is being cited as a demonstration of how structured public-private collaboration can fast-track delivery while maintaining quality standards.

According to Dr. Kiptoo, the government is increasingly relying on PPP arrangements to bridge infrastructure financing gaps while ensuring timely delivery of essential services. He said the Build–Transfer model being applied in the KDF housing programme allows private developers to undertake construction before transferring completed units to the government, ensuring efficiency in both delivery and asset management.

The Principal Secretary added that beyond improving living conditions for military personnel, the housing programme has created significant employment opportunities for Kenyan youth, engineers, architects, artisans, and suppliers engaged in the construction value chain. He noted that thousands of indirect jobs have been generated across the project sites, contributing to local economic growth in surrounding communities.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, through the National Treasury and Economic Planning and the Ministry of Defence, to scaling up similar infrastructure projects under innovative financing models to ensure sustainability and value for public resources.

Dr. Kiptoo also underscored that improved housing for security personnel remains a critical component of national security readiness, arguing that dignified living conditions contribute to morale, discipline, and operational efficiency within the armed forces.

The government has maintained that the broader Affordable Housing Programme, alongside sector-specific initiatives such as the KDF housing scheme, forms part of a long-term national development strategy aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening institutions, and enhancing service delivery across the public sector.

As construction continues across all five barracks, the government says it remains focused on ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards, with phased handovers expected once remaining works are finalized.