Nairobi,27th February 2025
Housing and Urban Renewal subsector, yesterday conducted a one day workshop for the newly constituted Urban Renewal Project Implementation Team (PIT) at Silver Springs hotel-Nairobi.
The workshop was aimed at orienting the PIT members on ongoing and upcoming Urban Renewal/Affordable Housing projects which the team will be closely monitoring on behalf of the County Government of Nairobi.
In conjunction with Independent Technical Experts (ITE), developers’ consultants, and contractors the team will also ensure compliance with contractual agreements, approved building plans, project timelines, environmental, health, and safety standards.
Additionally, the PIT will have the responsibility of resolving technical and site-related challenges.
In her opening remarks, the County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Renewal, Ms. Lydia Mathia called upon the team to put their best foot forward as Nairobi embarks on a transformational journey in the urban renewal space. She urged the team to be diligent in documenting observations during joint site meetings and ensure instructions to the developers are properly processed as the County Government will be relying on the PIT’s reports to make policy and related decisions about the projects.
Said Ms. Mathia “We are thrilled to have each of you join us, we have been eagerly anticipating this workshop to orient the team, and we are excited about the cocktail of skills and perspectives you bring. We believe that this PIT will herald a better future for our Urban Renewal projects as a formidable team to supervise all aspects of the initiatives. I am confident that as we embark on this journey, it will be both productive and rewarding.”
Jevanjee and Pangani Affordable Housing Projects, both of which are Nairobi City County pilot projects started on a high note, however, few issues cropped up midway causing the project to stall.
Woodley Lot I Project is in its early implementation stage with the developer having taken site possession mid-November 2024.Site hoarding, clearing, and earthworks/excavation have been completed, project setting – out is currently underway and construction will follow immediately after.
Kariobangi North Estate Project, the developer is awaiting site possession, which is expected to happen in the next coming few weeks.
In their deliberation the team agreed to work collaboratively to ensure projects are implemented in the spirit of the contract, meeting obligations for all partners and serving the best interests of the public, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the housing units, commercial spaces, and social facilities.
Further engagements will be concentrated around every individual project with progress meetings being conducted within stipulated timelines.
From the City County Government of Nairobi, the Project Implementation Team was drawn from Built Environment, Infrastructure, Fire and Disaster, Environment, Audit, Community Development, and Legal departments.
Others were representatives from Dama Services (an independent technical expert for Pangani and Jevanjee project), Woodley Lot I Developer, and Kariobangi North Developer’s Consultants.
Ends/….