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Work Begins on Sh3.5bn Makasembo Estate in Kisumu

Century-old estate will be upgraded into 1,870 modern units.

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Makasembo Estate Kisumu
An impression of Makasembo Estate in Kisumu. PHOTO | COURTESY

Work is finally underway on a Sh3.5 billion project that seeks to convert the 100-year-old Makasembo Estate in Kisumu into a modern habitation.

Located next to Moi Stadium in Kisumu, the project is a joint venture between Lapfund – a retirement benefits scheme for county workers – and the county government of Kisumu.

Under the deal signed in March 2021, the county will provide land and develop infrastructure, including electricity, water systems, and sewers; while Lapfund will provide the finances.

The 11.6-acre development will include seven multi-storey buildings with 1,870 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with 1,754 parking slots.

Under low-cost housing, 570 units with 544 parking lots will be set up, including 180 one-bedroom units, 100 two-bedroom units and 290 three-bedroom units.

The medium cost segment will include 1,300 units with 1,210 parking lots – categorised as 600 two-bedroom units and 700 three-bedroom units.

High-speed lifts

The Makasembo Estate Kisumu will also have pre-schools, borehole, solar power, high-speed lifts, landscaped gardens as well as communal playgrounds.

RELATED: Inside Mombasa’s Sh19bn Affordable Housing Project

A one-bedroom unit will be sold for Sh1.8 million with two and three-bedroom units selling for Sh2.7 million and Sh3.8 million, respectively.

The project will be completed in 24 months.

According to Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, Makasembo Estate and other ongoing housing projects in the area will give Kisumu City a new look.

“We are rebuilding Kisumu and mean well for our people. In the next two and half years our people will have modern houses,” Prof. Nyong’o said.

First priority

A total of 125 residents who were given Sh96,000 each by Lapfund to relocate from the old estate will be given the first priority to acquire the new homes.

“We want to advise affected tenants to start paying for the houses early enough,” Lapfund chief executive David Koros said.

The Makasembo Estate project seeks to meet the rising demand for housing in Kisumu while supporting the State’s Big 4 Agenda on the provision of affordable housing.

Danson Kagai is a skilled architect with a degree from the University of Nairobi. He has a wealth of experience in covering mega projects in Kenya, and is passionate about the built environment.