COUNTY STEPS UP PROCESS TO REDEVELOP KAKAMEGA’S MUDIRI ESTATE

The Ministry of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Areas held a public participation forum at the Kakamega Social Hall with tenants of the Government owned Mudiri A Estate in Shirere Ward to sensitise them on the expected redevelopment of the 30 block estate hosting 60 households. Built in early 1970’s, Mudiri has been home to civil servants and business people residing in Kakamega town.

The County Executive Member for Lands Hon. Robert Makhanu who moderated the exercise announced that the County Government will soon commence construction of affordable highrise buildings at the site to replace the current structures. This, he revealed, has been necessitated by the need to upgrade Kakamega Municipality to a City with capacity to meet the housing needs of the rapidly rising Kakamega population.

“The County Government is in the process of reorganizing the Municipality as one of the strategies to attain City status as envisioned by H.E the Governor Dr. FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya and this has to come with alot of sacrifices from every stakeholder, the Government included,” Hon. Makhanu said.

The County Government, Hon. Makhanu added, has already received the land title deed for Mudiri A estate paving way for commencement of construction works. The County has already identified and approached a Development partner who will begin construction once the current tenants vacate the houses after expiry of a vacation notice.

“I am glad we have embraced this process that will change the face of this town and the Municipality as a whole to the better; residents who have expressed interest in owning houses under the new scheme will be considered for allocation once the new units are built,” the CECM assured.

Mudiri B, Otiende, Amalemba estates as well as Old Airstrip are earmarked for the second phase construction in Kakamega. Mumias, Likuyani and Malava towns are also set to host more units.

Sheywe Ward MCA Hon. Joab Mwamto asked the residents to comply with the Government’s directive. He however urged the Ministry to issue the tenants with atleast a three months vacation notice.

In attendance were Director Physical Planning Mr. Stephen Chune, Shirere Ward Administrator CPA Ramadhan Wekhuyi and the Ministry of Lands Senior Administrator Mr. Hanningtone Maina among other Government officers.