The Kenyan government has embarked on extensive infrastructure development in Kilifi County as part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). These initiatives aim to uplift the livelihoods of residents through affordable housing, improved market infrastructure, and enhanced public facilities.
Affordable Housing Projects
Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, revealed plans to construct 7,300 affordable housing units across Kilifi County under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Key housing projects include:
- Mariakani Township (Kaloleni Constituency): 1,000 units in Phase 1 and an additional 1,000 units in Phase 2 under the Smart Cities Programme.
- Mtwapa (Kilifi South Constituency): 4,000 units.
- Kilifi North Constituency:
- 800 units in Tezo.
- 400 units in Watamu.
- 200 units in Kilifi Town off Bofa Road.
Ms. Wahome highlighted that these projects would create employment opportunities for locals and improve living conditions.
Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP)
The government will also construct nine modern markets in Kilifi County under the Economic Stimulus Programme. These markets, with estimated costs between Sh50 million and Sh55 million each, will be located in areas such as Baolala in Malindi Constituency, among others. Procurement processes for four markets are already underway.
Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP II)
Under KISIP II, the government has allocated Sh1.2 billion to improve infrastructure in informal settlements in Kilifi County. The project includes:
- Infrastructure upgrades in settlements.
- Surveying and issuing land ownership documents to locals.
Educational Facilities
Ms. Wahome announced plans to construct accommodation facilities for:
- Pwani University students.
- Students in seven Technical and Vocational Colleges (TVCs) and a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus within Kilifi County.
These facilities aim to address the accommodation challenges faced by students in the region.
Health Sector Improvements
The government recently handed over a Sh48.8 million maternity wing at Muyeye Health Centre in Malindi to the County Government of Kilifi. Governor Gideon Mung’aro highlighted significant progress in the health sector during his tenure, urging residents to be patient as his administration continues development efforts.
Addressing Malindi Slaughterhouse Concerns
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi called for the relocation of the Malindi Slaughterhouse from its current location in the town center. She cited it as an eyesore and a health hazard due to the foul smell, urging the government to find a more suitable location.
Commitment to Transformation
The projects in Kilifi County reflect the national government’s commitment to uplifting the standards of living for residents, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to essential services under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The close collaboration between the county and national government has been instrumental in the successful rollout of these initiatives.
