Nanyuki, Kenya – Tensions are emerging in Nanyuki town as residents confront the contractors of a government affordable housing project, accusing them of overlooking local job applicants and creating environmental concerns through soil dumping.

According to Kenya News Agency, during a public participation meeting on affordable housing, the community voiced their grievances about Firm Bridge Limited, the contractor handling the project. Locals claimed the company has not offered them employment opportunities, despite government assurances that such initiatives would generate local jobs. They further expressed frustration over the dumping of soil on their properties following excavation activities for the development of 200 housing units.

Peter Mwangi, a local resident, highlighted the issue of unemployment and its ripple effect, noting that many trucks owned by residents for transporting sand and construction materials are now idle. Mwangi made an appeal to the contractors to consider local resources, which would enable the community to reap the benefits of the project and manage their financial commitments, such as loans taken out to purchase the trucks.

Residents are calling for the contractor to involve local administrative figures, such as chiefs, to ensure a transparent selection process for job opportunities. This step, they believe, would guarantee fair distribution of jobs and prevent any locals from being inadvertently excluded.

Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli addressed the residents’ concerns, stating that to tackle the employment issue, all workers for the affordable housing project would go through a vetting process to confirm their local residency, ensuring that the community directly benefits from the job opportunities.

Paul Gituthu, another resident, while applauding the project for its potential to provide jobs for the youth, echoed the need for chiefs to participate in the recruitment process to support the identification and hiring of local candidates.

John Maina, Laikipia County Director of Housing, reiterated the significance of the affordable housing initiative as part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s flagship project. Maina disclosed plans to build about 2,000 to 5,000 housing units in each county, with Laikipia set to receive approximately 5,000 units due to its ample land availability.

Deputy Commissioner Muli further encouraged residents to apply for the housing units, emphasizing that only those actively contributing through a boma account would be eligible. He also stressed that the project would enhance the local economy through increased cash flow. In a cautionary tone, Muli advised the youth against alcohol consumption during work hours, warning that such behavior would lead to job termination and emphasized the importance of using their earnings to improve their standards of living.