Residents of Machakos County have sent mixed reactions on Governor Alfred Mutua's Sh50 million initiative dubbed, "Machakos Comprehensive Roofing Program" launched on Wednesday.
The programme, according to Mutua, will eliminate grass thatched houses from the county within the next four months.
Some of the residents have welcomed the move stating that it will modernize the county apart from giving them decent habitation.
"As a resident of Machakos County, I am extremely impressed by this philanthropic move of my governor. Indeed, many of us who have been living in these ramshackle grass- thatched houses will now breath a sigh of relief as we are provided by decent houses which are spacious and habitable," Mwala resident Kevin Kyalo said.
Nzioka Mwilu, a father of four, could not hide his joy as he was among the first beneficiaries of the programme.
"This is a very kind gesture, I am humbled. Thank you Governor Mutua, may God bless you," Mwilu said.
Another resident, Irene Ndanu, said grass thatched houses are a sign of poverty.
Ndanu said it is a health hazard since occupants of such houses are at risk of being bitten by snakes.
" Grass thatched houses are signs of poverty and poor living. Worst enough, some of the thatched roofs are homes for snakes and rats. This is a risk to those who live in them," Ndanu said.
They spoke to this writer at Mwala in Machakos County on Wednesday.
A section of the residents, however, said the project was not different from Mutua's other Public Relations stunts across the county.
They argued the initiative is not sustainable hence will flop immediately after its launch.