705-Unit Boma Yangu Estate Takes Shape in Limuru [Photos]

The Limuru Affordable Housing Project, also known as the Boma Yangu Limuru Estate, is taking shape as a 705-unit mixed-income housing development in Karanjee, Limuru Town, Kiambu County.

In an update on Tuesday, September 22, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project forms part of efforts to expand access to housing in areas surrounding Nairobi.

Omollo said Limuru had continued to experience population growth due to its connection to the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and the movement of workers and commuters.

"As part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Limuru continues to experience population growth driven by workers and commuters, placing increasing pressure on available housing infrastructure," the statement read.

Omollo said the development was intended to respond to the growing demand by providing housing in a high-density setting while keeping residents within reasonable reach of Nairobi.

"The development responds to this demand by providing high-density, community-centred peri-urban living within reach of the Capital," the statement added.

The estate comprises five 13-storey residential blocks, with each building fitted with elevators to improve accessibility for older persons and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Three blocks, A1, A2 and C, are being delivered under the Affordable Housing Programme, while blocks B1 and B2 offer market-rate housing options.

The mixed-income model is intended to bring different categories of homeowners into the same development while expanding access to housing in Limuru.

Beyond residential units, the estate has been designed as a self-contained neighbourhood with facilities and infrastructure intended to support residents' day-to-day needs.

"Designed as a self-contained neighbourhood, the estate incorporates a kindergarten, landscaped green spaces, recreational areas, water storage and distribution systems, wastewater infrastructure and perimeter security," the statement further read.

Elsewhere, the Waruhiu County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Githunguri, Kiambu County, has reached 95% completion.

In a statement on Monday, September 21, Omollo said the 10-acre facility is located at the Waruhiu Agricultural Training Centre Farm in Ngewa Ward and is being jointly financed by the National and County Governments on a 50:50 basis.

"Through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the National Government is committed to serving Kenyans indiscriminately, with a deliberate focus on creating opportunities for farmers and small-scale traders," the statement read.

The ministry said the facility is designed to bring infrastructure, markets and value addition services closer to agricultural producers in the region.

The park will feature several facilities intended to improve the handling and processing of horticultural produce after it is harvested.

"It comprises eight warehouses, two cold-storage units, two aggregation centres and four value-addition units, providing modern facilities for the handling, storage, processing and packaging of fruits, vegetables and other horticultural produce," the statement added.

The ministry said the facility is strategically positioned to serve farmers across several constituencies and sub-counties in Kiambu County, creating a central point for aggregation and value addition.

"Strategically positioned to serve producers across Githunguri, Gatundu North and South, Kiambu, Kiambaa, Limuru and Lari, the park will help farmers move beyond selling raw, perishable produce to accessing organised markets and higher-value opportunities," the statement further read.

The government expects the aggregation park to address some of the challenges faced by farmers, including post-harvest losses, limited market access and dependence on middlemen.

"By reducing post-harvest losses, cutting reliance on exploitative brokers and expanding value addition, it will raise household incomes, create jobs and strengthen pathways to regional and international markets," the statement noted.