By Robert Mutasi 
The Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret is nearing completion, with contractors undertaking final works on the 2,148-unit development.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said on Monday, October 12, that the project was part of the government’s efforts to address rising demand for decent and affordable housing following Eldoret’s elevation to city status in August 2024.
Omollo said the city’s population growth over the past two years had increased pressure on housing, making the development an important part of efforts to expand access to modern residential units.
“Since Eldoret was awarded city status in August 2024, for the past two years, the city has experienced rapid population growth, increasing demand for decent and affordable housing,” Omollo said in a statement.
He added that the project was intended to support the city’s planned and sustainable growth while providing quality homes for residents.
Construction is substantially complete, with the remaining works focusing on landscaping, cabro-paved roads, walkways, swimming pools and lifts.
The development consists of 15 residential blocks containing 2,148 housing units. It also includes 104 shops, a supermarket, a clinic and a kindergarten to serve residents and the surrounding community.
Additional facilities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court and children’s play areas, providing recreational spaces within the housing complex.
According to Omollo, the project also incorporates integrated waste management systems to support environmental sustainability.
He said the construction phase had created employment opportunities for local residents and boosted economic activity among businesses operating in the surrounding area.
The housing project is among the developments expected to support Eldoret’s expansion following its elevation to city status, as demand for residential and commercial space continues to grow.
The government has been pursuing affordable housing developments as part of its broader housing programme, which seeks to increase the supply of homes while creating jobs in the construction sector.
The progress in Eldoret comes days after the government highlighted the redevelopment of the former Anderson-Ofafa Estate in Kisumu into the modern Anderson Park Residence.
In a statement on October 7, Omollo said the transformation of the 63-year-old estate represented a shift from ageing housing infrastructure to modern residential developments designed to meet the needs of a growing urban population.
The mixed-use project in Kisumu began in July 2024 through a partnership between the Kisumu County Government and County Pension Fund (CPF) LAPTRUST.
Its first phase comprises 681 apartments across seven blocks, including 31 one-bedroom units, 464 two-bedroom units and 186 three-bedroom units.
The development also features 65 retail spaces and amenities such as high-speed lifts, backup power, borehole water, piped cooking gas and fibre connectivity. A gym and rooftop residents’ lounge are also planned, while a swimming pool is expected in the second phase.
Both projects reflect ongoing efforts to modernise urban housing and provide residential developments with supporting commercial and recreational facilities.