Not far from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, lies Kibera.
Kibera, the 2.4-square-kilometer area, is home to about one million people, with the population continuously growing as impoverished citizens from outside Nairobi pour in daily. The rapidly increasing urban population has led to greater demand for housing, with Nairobi’s living conditions in urgent need of improvement.
Urban residents make up 22 percent of Kenya’s total population, and this figure is growing at an annual rate of approximately 4.2 percent. In 2018, the Kenyan government introduced “The Big Four Agenda”, with the construction of 500,000 affordable housing units as one of its key policies. The Affordable Housing Project in Nairobi emerged from this initiative.
Witnessing the “CSCEC Speed”
The Affordable Housing Project on Park Road, located in the Ngara district of Nairobi, covers an area of 32,000 square meters, with a construction area of 123,000 square meters. The project consists of 1,370 affordable housing units and associated infrastructure. It is a key Belt and Road project for Kenya, undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
The project officially began on February 5, 2019. On October 22, 2020, the project successfully passed final inspections, 75 days ahead of schedule, once again demonstrating the “CSCEC Speed” in East Africa.
A Testament to Win-Win Cooperation
On May 9, 2019, at the construction site, CSCEC signed a procurement agreement with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Alliance of Kenya. As part of the agreement, the project procured 8,400 doors from member units of the alliance, valued at nearly $2 million.
“CSCEC is an excellent partner, not only purchasing our doors but also generously providing us with technical guidance and support,” said Morris, one of the door manufacturers.
“They are helping us in a very practical way, and this has earned Chinese enterprises a good reputation locally.”
It is estimated that CSCEC employed over 1,000 Kenyan workers during construction. In addition to offering wages above the local average, the company provided significant support in construction management concepts and production techniques.
A Testament to a Better Life
“The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and an open kitchen. It’s well-ventilated and fully meets the needs of my family,” said one satisfied resident, Joseph, of his new home.
In addition, the new community has a complete rainwater and sewage treatment system, ample parking spaces and facilities such as a basketball court, a kindergarten and a children’s playground. The improved living environment has significantly enhanced the sense of wellbeing in the community.
The project marks a promising start for Kenya’s affordable housing system. It has significantly boosted the confidence of the Kenyan government and people as they begin further construction and promotion of affordable housing projects.
This project has laid a solid foundation for the continued development of high-quality, sustainable green projects in Africa that improve the standards of living for thousands of people.
