[Source: Daily Nation, by Rushdie Oudia]
The rapid expansion of Kisumu City in recent years has presented a housing crisis that has been made worse by land wrangles.
A report recently tabled before the county’s Cabinet noted that it would have been easier for Kenya’s third city to meet the housing demands were it not for land tenure challenges.
Court cases, violent attacks and killings have characterised the scramble for land as clans, communities, individuals and institutions challenge ownership of various parcels.
As he unveiled an ambitious affordable housing plan that would see construction of over 10,000 units and redevelopment of old council houses and slums last month, Governor Anyang Nyong’o faulted cited land tenure challenges as a hindrance to efforts by the regional government to get into partnerships that could help solve the housing crisis.
According to Nyong’o, there are several partners who have shown interest in partnering with the county government to meet the growing housing demands, but endless court battles over land ownership have continued to derail development plans as the situations worsens.
At the moment, housing deficit stands at 5,000. Nyong’o plans to build at least 10,000 units of mixed typologies with focus on low-cost housing.
The county is committed to provide land as equity towards realisation of housing to partners who will provide funding.
Two French companies, Planning Systems and Group Quit, are advising the government on how to upgrade Maseno, Ahero, Katito and Muhoroni towns.
[Source: Daily Nation, by Rushdie Oudia]
