Rent Prices Surge in Kiambu Due to Population Growth
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Loading... - Ahmed Hussein
- 31 May 2023
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The surge in population in Kiambu County has not been matched by an equal development of housing units, resulting in a housing challenge. According to the 2019 population census, Kiambu's population now exceeds 2.4 million, making it the second most populous town in the country after Nairobi.
With only 796,241 residential units available, the current number falls far short of meeting the high demand for affordable and adequate housing. The scarcity of housing units has led to a situation where supply cannot meet the needs of the growing population.
Charles Kiarie, the Director of Housing in Kiambu County, has confirmed that plans are in place to address the population increase. In an interview with KNA, Kiarie mentioned that the County has constructed a total of 130 houses over the past five years for civil servants working in the police and prison services. This initiative aims to accommodate the rising number of staff members.
"The county government of Kiambu has responded to the housing demand and has collaborated with private developers to construct additional housing units," Kiarie stated.
One notable partnership he mentioned is with Technofin Kenya Limited, who are planning to build 2,000 affordable housing units in Juja and Ruiru towns.
In January 2023, President William Ruto inaugurated the Affordable Housing Project in Ruiru, Kiambu. The project aims to provide 1,050 housing units, accommodating approximately 20,000 people.
"The government's project was established to address the housing deficit and stimulate the local economy. The private sector has also played a crucial role in alleviating the housing challenge in Kiambu County," Kiarie added.
Stanley Njenga, a taxi driver in Kiambu town, confirmed to KNA that housing is a significant challenge in the area. With the population increase, rental prices have skyrocketed due to high demand.
"A few years ago, I used to pay Sh4500 for a small room in Kiambu. Now, it has increased to Sh7,000 because of the demand. The number of houses is limited, while the population of Kiambu continues to grow," he explained.
Kiambu serves as a dormitory zone for the densely populated Nairobi County, with many residents choosing to seek accommodation in the urban centers of Kiambu and commute to Nairobi daily.
This has resulted in a surge in property prices and residential investments in Kiambu over the years. However, it has also made it expensive for prospective tenants to find available residential houses, as they are scarce.
