Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Defence Aden Duale on Wednesday commissioned the construction of 788 housing units for the military in Laikipia.
The housing units are being constructed under the private-public partnership (PPP) housing program.
The houses will be built in the Kwa Mbuzi area of Laikipia County, providing modern and dignified accommodation for the troops.
CS Duale led top-ranking officials including those from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the groundbreaking ceremony.
The CS noted that the KDF currently has a shortfall of 33,400 married quarters and 25,800 single quarters.
“The new development in Laikipia is a crucial part of a broader plan that includes the construction of 3,069 housing units across five regions,” he said.
The project will see the construction of 788 housing units, part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing the acute housing deficit faced by KDF personnel.
The housing units are distributed including Laikipia County (788 units), Gilgil (697 units), Mariakani (120 units) and Nairobi (500 units).
Duale said the housing initiative is a result of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which aims to combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors to efficiently deliver high-quality housing.
“Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, the government is committed to providing sustainable and high-quality housing solutions for its defence personnel, ensuring they have a stable and supportive environment to perform their duties effectively,” Duale said.
Duale praised the move saying the significance of this endeavor cannot be overstated.
“By providing our service members with quality housing, we are not just meeting a basic need but also fostering morale, cohesion and readiness within the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).”
“Modern housing facilities ensure that our personnel can focus wholeheartedly on their duties, knowing that their families are well-cared for and residing in safe, comfortable environments,” he said.
Duale said that beyond housing, the project underscores their commitment to modernizing the entire KDF.
“We recognize that equipping our troops with the latest technology and resources is essential for national security and defence,” he said.
The CS added that alongside the housing developments, they are dedicated to providing the army, navy and air force with state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring they are well-prepared to address contemporary threats and challenges.
He said, moreover, the welfare of the military personnel extends beyond their professional duties.
Lack of accommodation has been a challenge for the military which has forced them to enter into a private partnership to be able to construct the needed houses.
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