Nairobi: Media outlets in the country have been called upon to assist the government in dispelling some of the misinformation about the affordable housing programme. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) Board Chairman Yusuf Chanzu noted with concern a growing list of top politicians and wealthier individuals who like misinforming the public about the project with an intention of making them reject the transformative development agenda.

According to Kenya News Agency, Chanzu made the call during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between NHC and Baringo County government at the governor’s office in Kabarnet town on Tuesday. He stated that the media has the capacity to shift attitudes by demystifying the narrative and motivate uptake of the housing programme. ‘Let us talk about housing our people until they ultimately come to agree that it is a noble idea,’ the NHC chair said after signing the partnership agreement with Governor Benjamin Cheboi.

Chanzu warned Kenyans against believing any remarks made by such individuals who are opposed to the idea noting that some of them have either applied for the homes or can afford to purchase a decent home at prevailing market prices. He stated that the affordable houses the government is constructing are of the best quality with good finishing and are geared towards promoting decency in housing.

Chanzu, accompanied by his Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Mathu alongside other officials, said Baringo County will benefit from 360 housing units under the national housing programme which will be implemented in phases starting with the construction of 100 units at Kiboino site along Kabarnet-Eldoret highway. He noted that under the agreement, they will spearhead technical and financial aspects of the project while the county government will facilitate land valuation and documentation as well as delivering key infrastructure such as access roads, water and sewer systems.

Cheboi, in his remarks, stated that the tender for Kiboino housing site will be advertised in due course and encouraged local contractors to bid. The governor stated that they are going to source locally available materials and labour force for residents to benefit from the project. Cheboi expressed optimism that the transformative programme would be successful and in turn change the economy of the region.