Nairobi: Sotik Sub-County is set to become the second town in Bomet County to benefit from the government’s Affordable Housing Project (AHP) after Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok officially handed over land to the State Department of Housing for the construction of 561 affordable housing units. Speaking during the handover event in Sotik town, Governor Barchok said the project would not only provide decent and affordable homes but also create employment opportunities and spur local economic growth.

According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Barchok lauded President William Ruto for initiating the affordable housing initiative across the country, noting that it addresses the growing housing challenges, especially in informal settlements. The governor also provided an update on the first phase of the AHP in Bomet town, where 222 housing units have been fully constructed and are ready for occupation. He noted that over 200 units are nearly complete and will be officially commissioned by President Ruto during his next
visit to the county.

‘We urge residents to take the front line in purchasing these houses as a future investment for their families,’ said Barchok. ‘We are engaging the State Department of Housing to help Bomet residents’ access affordable credit, with the aim of prioritizing locals during the sale of these units.’ In a move to expand the project further, the governor disclosed that his administration will donate additional land in Bomet town for the construction of another 1,600 housing units as the initiative enters its second phase.

While in Sotik, Prof. Barchok also visited Chemagel Centre (Sotik Old Town), a proposed site for the development of a modern market. The market, to be constructed by the State Department of Housing, is expected to transform the trading environment, benefit local vendors, generate jobs, and stimulate economic activity. The affordable housing project aligns with the government’s broader goal of ensuring dignified living conditions and boosting economic resilience through job cr
eation and infrastructure development.