605 low-cost houses to be ready this year

According to the director, a buyer must pay a 10 per cent deposit for their preferred unit, and there are limits to the number of units an individual can purchase at the project.

"To ensure the highest number of people own the houses, we have made it a rule that one cannot buy more than one unit. The buyers must be first-time home buyers," he added.

With the project still on track, its presence has already begun to change the face of the Bondeni area, which is largely a slum.

"The population of these houses will increase. We agreed that the contractor would construct two new classes in each of the three schools to accommodate new students moving into the area," Ruto said.

The President said the government intends to build an additional 50,000 housing units in Nakuru county on land provided by the county government.

"This project is almost complete and the 2,000 jobs created here are on the line. To ensure these workers don't lose their jobs, we shall soon kick off construction of more houses here," said Ruto.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said the county owns more than 30 acres for the project.