Unity Homes breaks ground at Tatu City to build 1200 low cost units - Capital Business
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Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga was also present at the launch of the project where he talked of the government tightening it's relationship with the private sector.

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Unity Homes breaks ground at Tatu City to build 1200 low cost units

African Union Representative for Infrastructure Raila Odinga escorted by Tatu City Founder and the CEO Stephen Jennings/Courtesy

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31- Local Developer Unity Homes will build 1200 affordable housing units at Tatu City, to address the government’s agenda of providing affordable housing to all Kenyans.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the African Union Representative for Infrastructure Raila Odinga said Kenyans should embrace the idea of special economic zones which will also impact lives in the future generation.

“I appeal for measures to address the high cost of land, which is scaring away potential investors from our country and I also urge Kenyans to take up special economic zones agenda,” he said.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga was also present at the launch of the project where he talked of the government tightening it’s relationship with the private sector.

“Kenyans want to own quality and innovative homes. As the project takes shape, it is important that the government supports and allows the private sector to do what they do best, “said Hinga.

Industrialist Chris Kirubi lauded the housing agenda saying the project will boost the country’s economy.

“The Tatu City project rolled out today will enhance social and economic growth in this country. The government needs to play its part by making land available and affordable,” said Kirubi.

He also backed the former Prime Minister’s sentiments by saying the government should focus on addressing the cost of land to attract investors.

“Land is nothing unless there’s capital. With a matter of urgency, we need to address the cost of land to avoid scaring investors who will make the land productive through investment,” he added.

“Our goal is to build a flourishing community of decent, affordable homes that supports the housing pillar of the Kenyan government’s Big Four agenda: Universal Healthcare, Manufacturing, Affordable Housing and Food Security.”

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Jason Horsey, Director of Unity Homes said that the first project they are developing in Tatu City is called Unity West; it sits on 7 acres of the 22 acres of land they have purchased.

“Unlike a lot of developers we have the in-house expertise to undertake the construction ourselves, we do not have to overly rely on external contractor. The construction is essentially set up like a factory line … on team moves ahead with the foundations followed by the shell team then the finishing team,” Horsey outlined.

“We expect construction to b complete in 2021 and we are delighted to announce that we’ve already sold 20% of the project,” he enthused.

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndung’u Waititu, Deputy Governor James Nyoro, Rendevour and Founder Stephen Jennings were also present during the event.

The units are part of a grand plan by Tatu City to construct more than 30,000 homes at the 5,000-acre project through similar partnerships.

The Sh4.5 billion project offers two-bedroom apartments starting from as low as Sh800,000, placing them within reach of middle to low-income earners.

With a shortfall of about 1.9 million homes, approximately 70% of which is in the low to middle-income bracket, the Unity Homes project contributes to the government’s goal of creating 500,000 new homes.

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