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CS Duale commissions construction of 788 military housing units in Laikipia

Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 788 housing units in Laikipia County on June 12, 2024. (Photo: Ministry of Defence)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Wednesday, June 12, 2024

This initiative aims to address the acute housing deficit faced by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel. The housing units will be distributed as follows: Laikipia County (788 units), Gilgil (697 units), Mariakani (120 units), and Nairobi (500 units).

With the aim of providing modern and dignified accommodation for troops, the military broke ground for the construction of 788 housing units in Laikipia County on Wednesday.

The houses, part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) housing program, will be built in the Kwa Mbuzi area.

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Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who officiated the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighted the significance of this project. "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," he said.

The ceremony was attended by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Eastern Command Maj. Gen. Luka Kutto, and Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Major General David Keter, among others.

This initiative aims to address the acute housing deficit faced by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel. The housing units will be distributed as follows: Laikipia County (788 units), Gilgil (697 units), Mariakani (120 units), and Nairobi (500 units).

Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 788 housing units in Laikipia County on June 12, 2024. (Photo: Ministry of Defence)

According to the Defence Chief, KDF currently has a shortfall of 33,400 married quarters and 25,800 single quarters. The lack of accommodation has been a significant challenge, prompting the military to enter into a private partnership to meet the housing needs.

Duale noted that the housing initiative, a result of a PPP, aims to combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors to efficiently deliver high-quality housing. "Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, the government is committed to providing sustainable and high-quality housing solutions for its defence personnel, ensuring they have a stable and supportive environment to perform their duties effectively," he said.

The CS highlighted the importance of this project, noting that providing quality housing for service members fosters morale, cohesion, and readiness within the Kenya Defence Forces. He explained that these housing facilities ensure military personnel can focus on their duties, knowing their families are well-cared for and residing in safe, comfortable environments.

"We recognise that equipping our troops with the latest technology and resources is essential for national security and defence," Duale added.

On Saturday, President William Ruto announced that the government will fund additional housing units for KDF personnel under the affordable housing scheme. Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the Kenya Air Force (KAF), Ruto reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of the country's military personnel and their families.

"Let me also commit that the 10,000 housing units that will support the housing program for our Kenya Defence Forces are the first phase. We will continuously work with the housing fund and the government, in general, to make sure that our KDF personnel in all our formations have adequate and proper housing facilities," he said.