President William Ruto has said that women will be given priority while sourcing labour for the newly launched Affordable Housing Project (AHP) in Mavoko, Machakos County.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, December 7, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the development, the president decried the dominance of the construction sector by men to the detriment of women with similar qualifications.
“We have agreed that this will be the first project we are giving opportunities to female workers. The construction industry has for long been colonised by men, but it has to change, starting with this project,” said President Ruto.
“As part of the contract we have with UN-HABITAT, the contractor has been asked to give opportunities to women who are artisans, electricians and plumbers,”
In addition, the president said that there is an agreement with the contractor to draw construction materials from residents of the county to boost their businesses.
“The contractor will also work with local jua kali artisans. Doors, windows, hinges and all building materials will be sourced from people in this area. All the suppliers and casual labourers have to be from Syokimau and Mavoko,” said Ruto.
Speaking during the same event, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti implored the president to ensure the project is not a replica of previous similar developments that have been too expensive to afford for normal Kenyans.
“Consider the cost of the affordable houses when they are constructed. Even if we get houses that cost Sh500,000 or Sh1 million, someone should be able to pay as low as Sh3,000 monthly to own the house,” said Ndeti.
The Mavoko AHP is aiming to develop 5,360 housing units, consisting of studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.
Email your news TIPS to editor@thesharpdaily.com
