The government has expressed confidence with investment giant Centum’s ability to be a partner in the affordable housing agenda after the group through its Vipingo Development PLC successfully completed 74 units in the Vipingo area of Kilifi.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the completion of Awali Estate, three months ahead of schedule, was a boost to investor confidence in local developers. “We were wondering whether we are ever going to get local developers, who are credible enough, that are going to bite, and Centum did,” said Hinga.
Awali Estate, made up of maisonettes and bungalows, boasts of modern and reliable amenities including beautifully manicured gardens, a swimming pool, children play areas, jogging tracks, card access control and reliable water supply from one of the largest.
Construction of the 74 units started in January 2019 and some homes are already occupied. The Kes 1.2 billion project will see also see a three-million-litre capacity water desalination plant constructed to serve the new estate and others within Vipingo.
In addition, there will be a 10,000 square metre mall and offices as well as a 250-acre Industrial Park.
“Combined, the projects have created over 1,100 construction-related jobs, catalysed economic activities, and positioned Vipingo as a top investment destination along the Kenyan Coast with direct flights to Vipingo from Wilson increasing to two per day,” said Vipingo Development PLC Managing Director Kenneth Mbae at the official launch of Awali.
