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Housing

National Housing Corporation Hands Over Housing Schemes to Kisii County

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has handed over two rental housing schemes with 49 units and management records of a site-and-service project to the County Government of Kisii, marking a significant milestone in affordable housing and urban development in the region. The handover ceremony was a culmination of years of negotiations between NHC and Kisii County, which had accumulated a debt of Sh43.9 million. However, following renegotiations, the debt was reduced to Sh39.4 million, and the county agreed to settle it over three financial years. The handover also unlocked two acres of prime land adjacent to the existing estates, creating an opportunity for new housing projects in the fast-growing town of Kisii.

Key Takeaways:

  • The handover involved the transfer of two rental housing schemes with 49 units and management records of a site-and-service project from NHC to the County Government of Kisii.
  • The handover was a result of years of negotiations between NHC and Kisii County, which had accumulated a debt of Sh43.9 million.
  • The debt was reduced to Sh39.4 million following renegotiations, and the county agreed to settle it over three financial years.
  • The countyluns
  • NHC Chairman Yusuf Chanzu praised Kisii County's commitment to resolving the long-standing debt dispute, terming it a "clear demonstration of goodwill, fiscal responsibility, and partnership."
  • NHC Managing Director David Mathu emphasized the Corporation's readiness to collaborate with counties in addressing the national housing gap, stating that this step will enable Kisii County to expand its capacity to provide affordable and decent housing for its residents.
  • Governor Simba Arati welcomed the handover, terming it a breakthrough for the county's housing agenda and pledged to align projects with national and county development plans.
  • The event signified a new era of collaboration between national housing agencies and devolved units, laying the foundation for joint projects that could transform Kisii's urban landscape and serve as a model for county-national collaboration in the housing sector.

Statistics:

  • 49 housing units transferred to Kisii County.
  • Sh43.9 million: original debt incurred by Kisii County.
  • Sh39.4 million: reduced debt following renegotiations.
  • Sh13 million: cleared in the last financial year as part of the repayment plan.
  • Sh18 million: earmarked for settlement in the current financial year.
  • Sh8.45 million: balance of debt scheduled for settlement in the 2026/2027 financial year.
  • 1974-1991: timeframe of original construction of housing units.
  • 2011: year when NHC assumed control of the properties after the defunct Municipal Council defaulted on loan repayments.

Sources:

  • Kenya News Agency (24 Aug 2025)
  • The National Housing Corporation (NHC)
  • Housing Act CAP 117
  • Section 9 of the Housing Act CAP 117
  • Kisii Governor's office

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