By Winsley Masese
More than Sh885 billion is required to eradicate slums, Housing Minister Soita Shitanda has said.
With almost 60 per cent of the urban population living in slums, Shitanda said improving their living conditions was the Government’s immediate concern.
"This is seen through the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (Kensup), which has created various projects in the country," he said.
The first phase of Kensup covers Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. the second phase will see other key towns brought on board.
Mr Shitanda said Kensup aims at improving the living conditions of about 5.4 million slum dwellers through systematic improvement of their living environment.
The state would provide basic infrastructure services, social amenities and affordable housing with minimal or no forced evictions.
Platform for synergies
Residents of Kibera slums in Nairobi have become the first beneficiaries of the upgrading programme.
Shitanda was speaking during the first homes expo in Kisumu. Key among developers, who participated in the expo, include Ounga Commercial Agencies, which has been at the centre of real estate development in Kisumu.
Eric Ounga, the Agency’s director said Kisumu’s rapid population growth calls for more investors in housing. Also present during the expo organised by Next Level Public Relations firm was Kisumu Mayor Sam Okello.
Mr Okello said the presence of Maseno University in the town could spur the construction of hostels.
He, however, said the council would soon unveil a master plan for Kisumu to enable housing developers invest more.
Shitanda said the expo was a platform for creating synergies, and bridging the existing gaps among stakeholders.
Growing property market
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The fair would also spur development in the town’s growing property market. New investors are likely to give the town a new look following the devastating 2007 post-poll chaos.
The inaugural Home expo is expected to attract real estate housing developers in the lakeside town.
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