By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale inaugurated a housing initiative on Wednesday to address the accommodation shortage facing Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers.
CS Duale revealed that the project will entail the construction of 788 housing units in the Kwa Mbuzi area of Laikipia County.
According to the CS the project will encompass thousands of units constructed across different regions in the country.
“In total, 3,069 housing units will be constructed across five regions, distributed as follows; 952 Nakuru (952), Laikipia (788), Gilgil (697), Mariakani (120), and Nairobi (500),” CS Duale wrote on X.
Hon. Duale underscored the critical accommodation shortage of the KDF officers, highlighting a deficit of 33,400 units for married quarters and 25,800 units for single quarters.
“The new development in Laikipia is a crucial part of a broader plan that includes the construction of 3,069 housing units across five regions. In the 18th May 2024 I commissioned the construction of 952 units in Nakuru County,” he remarked.
He further mentioned that the housing project will be implemented through a strategic Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“This initiative, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), aims to leverage both public and private sector strengths to deliver high-quality housing. The government remains committed to providing sustainable and supportive housing for defence personnel,” Duale stated on X.
“By fostering collaborative efforts and forging strong partnerships, the government aims to provide sustainable and supportive living environments for its defence personnel,” he added.
Also present at the groundbreaking ceremony were Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Maj. Gen. Luka Kutto, who is the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, and Maj. Gen. David Ketter, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces responsible for Personnel and Logistics, alongside other officers, servicemen, and contractors.