Ruto Announces KSh7.5 Billion Plan to Build 3,000 Houses in Lamu
President William Ruto has announced a KSh7.5 billion investment to build 3,000 additional housing units in Lamu County as preparations for the proposed Dangote refinery gather pace.
Speaking during a title-deed issuance ceremony in Mokowe on Saturday, October 3, Ruto said the houses would accommodate workers and other people expected to move to the county as construction and related industries expand.
“We are allocating Ksh7.5 billion to build an additional 3,000 housing units to support housing as we develop the refinery in Lamu County. So that those who are
coming to live here will have decent dwelling,” he said.
The announcement follows the groundbreaking of the KSh2.2 trillion refinery project and comes as the government prepares for the wider infrastructure needs associated with the development. The refinery is expected to increase demand for housing, transport, retail services, engineering and other businesses in Lamu as construction progresses.
Ruto has previously said about 60,000 Kenyans will be required during the construction and operational phases of the refinery. Dangote Group has also announced plans to train 1,000 Lamu residents for employment opportunities linked to the project.
The development is expected to require specialised workers from outside the county. An Indian state-owned engineering company has secured a KSh58 billion contract for project management, engineering, procurement and construction management services, which is also expected to increase demand for accommodation and related services.
The planned refinery will form part of a wider petrochemical development and is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The development is also expected to support activities in logistics, engineering, manufacturing, marine services and other industries connected to the refinery.
The anticipated increase in economic activity is expected to place additional demands on Lamu’s infrastructure, including housing and public services, as workers and businesses move into the county. Ruto also announced a KSh6 billion allocation for affordable housing, markets and hostels in Lamu County, placing the housing programme within a broader infrastructure plan.
He acknowledged delays in the proposed affordable housing project in Faza but said it would proceed. In Mpeketoni, Ruto said a contract had been awarded for the construction of 900 houses and directed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to accelerate implementation.
