The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has officially commenced in West Pokot County, with Sigor Constituency becoming the first area to benefit from the government initiative following delays occasioned by challenges in acquiring land for the projects.

The project, located at Runo area in Weiwei Ward along the Marich Pass-Sigor-Lomut-Tot Highway, will involve the construction of 305 housing units at a cost of Sh685 million, with completion expected in 18 months.

The State Department for Lands, Housing and Urban Development handed over the construction site to Mtelo Enterprises Limited, the contractor undertaking the project.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the site, West Pokot County Commissioner (CC) David Saruni said the project would transform the area by stimulating economic activities, creating employment opportunities and attracting new investments.

Saruni said the area was strategically positioned along the newly upgraded the new Highway undergoing construction, which links West Pokot to neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Turkana Counties.

He noted that the road would open up alternative transport routes connecting Nakuru, Turkana and South Sudan, easing pressure on the Kitale-Kapenguria highway while facilitating trade and movement of goods.

He said the planned establishment of a truck park within the area would further enhance the area’s commercial potential, adding that the road was also expected to promote peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities through shared economic activities.

“This is the first AHP project being launched within the county. We have others that follow in Kacheliba, Alale (Pokot North), Kapenguria (West Pokot) and South Pokot,” highlighted Saruni.

He urged residents to take ownership of the project, noting that the housing units would attract people from different backgrounds and create opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas.

The County Commissioner also observed that improved road infrastructure would strengthen security operations in the area, particularly efforts to combat armed banditry.

He said ongoing disarmament programmes would be complemented by improved accessibility, making it easier for security agencies to respond to criminal activities.

State Department for Lands, Housing and Urban Development County Director Jeremiah Miaro said a similar affordable housing project was underway in Kacheliba Town at a cost of Sh687 million.

The two AHP units in Sigor (685 Million) and Kacheliba (687 Million) will both have 305 units each, kindergarten, shops, borehole and civil works.

Miaro said the government had invested close to Sh2.4 billion in West Pokot through the Affordable Housing, Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets and students’ hostels.

Weiwei Ward MCA David Moiben welcomed the project, saying he had never witnessed development investments of such magnitude being undertaken in the county for more than 30 years in politics.

He said the construction of the housing units would unlock the area’s economic potential and called on the government to consider establishing a university or other higher learning institution in the constituency.

“As a constituency, we had set aside 30 acres of land towards construction of a Technical Training Institute around this area, but the plans were thwarted after the 2013 elections. We are therefore appealing to the government to consider establishing a college or a university on the land,” said Moiben.

The MCA appealed to the contractor to prioritise local residents, particularly when recruiting workers for unskilled labour.

He also cautioned residents against selling their land, saying doing so could undermine their long-term economic security.

“Selling of land invites poverty. Selling land is like buying poverty for yourself,” said Moiben.

Lands CEC Martin Lotee underscored the value of the project despite the delays in commencement citing logistical challenges in acquisition of the land.

Lotee hailed President William Ruto for initiating mega development projects in West Pokot mentioning that the Marich Pass-Sigor-Lomut-Tot Highway where the AHP lies will reduce traffic on the Kapenguria-Lodwar Highway and reduce accidents at the infamous Kamatira Blackspot.

Residents David Nang’oria and Clare Chepkorir also welcomed the project, saying it would provide instant income-generating opportunities for households in the immediate community.

Nang’oria said residents had not witnessed many development projects being undertaken simultaneously in the area and pledged support for ongoing government initiatives.

Ms. Chepkorir described the establishment of the affordable housing project as a mark of development in an area she said had experienced years of marginalization.

The residents further observed that the constituency had sufficient land resources to accommodate additional major development projects.

The housing project is expected to complement other ongoing developments in Sigor, including a students’ hostel at a local vocational training centre, an ESP market whose construction is more than 40 per cent complete, and the new Highway.

Apart from pastoralism, the area is also known for mango production and irrigated farming, which residents believe could benefit from improved infrastructure and expanded market availability and access.

By Richard Muhambe