NHC in new partnership to put up homes, classrooms across Kenya

Police houses built in Ruai by the National Housing Corporation. The corporation will bulld 100 early childhood development classrooms in Trans Nzoia County using expanded polystyrene panels. NHC has a factory in Syokimau, Machakos producing these panels. (PHOTO: FILE / STANDARD)

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has gotten into an agreement with the County Government of Trans Nzoia to build classrooms and houses.

In the Memorandum of Understanding signed last week, NHC will take up the project management role and will build 100 early childhood development classrooms by end of June. The firm will also build affordable housing using industrial building systems consisting of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) technology and light gauge steel as well as offer technical advice.

A prototype building, accommodating 60 pupils, was built at Naisambu Primary School and was completed within two weeks. NHC Managing Director Andrew Saisi said the corporation is pleased to enhance its presence in counties.

"This collaboration brings the EPS technology to the County of Trans Nzoia. As part of this project, we shall ensure that we train and transfer the building technology, skills and knowledge to the youth of Trans Nzoia County. We shall therefore endeavour to use local labor as this technology can only be best transferred through practical experience."

He encouraged other counties to partner with NHC in an effort to bridge the housing deficit in the counties. Saisi further noted that NHC manages over 800 houses within Trans Nzoia County but with the increasing demand for housing, there was need to use methods that provide rapid production and supply of housing.

The EPS Technology ensures fast development of housing units as it significantly reduces the time required to construct without compromising on quality.

"As a Corporation, we are conscious of the effects of construction on our environment. The use of EPS Technology, in combination with light gauge steel, reduces both the use of quarry stones, bricks and timber. It also reduces the resultant load on our roads and pollution from the transportation of these traditional materials to site. This greatly reduces the negative impact of housing on the environment," said Saisi.