The Kisii county government has been urged to build rental houses in order to combat housing crisis that has hit the southern Nyanza town due to exponential increase in population.
On Wednesday, several residents, majority of them who have been victims of inadequate housing facilities, urged the James Ongwae-led government to acquire land for the purpose.
They said the cost of acquiring a piece of land for construction has doubled, making it impossible for common citizens to afford.
“There is a serious housing crisis in town and this is hampering many economically viable activities. Residents are finding it difficult to get rental rooms due to increasing population,” said Machuka Kemoni, a resident of Nyanchwa.
“It is difficult to purchase a piece of land and that is why I am advocating for the county government to take the mandate and build houses from which they can collect revenue,” added Evans Osiemo.
According to them, the move will not only significantly reduce housing crisis but also subsidise escalating accommodation prizes that have been apparently increased by house owners in town to capitalise on the situation.
“If the county government builds houses, it will be a good source for revenue collection and this will literally create jobs for people who will act as caretakers. It will also reduce cases of house owners exploiting town residents,” said Alex Kebati, a real estate consultant in Kisii town.