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Tag: CS Alice Wahome

  • Prioritise development over politics, Wahome tells Mt Kenya region

    Prioritise development over politics, Wahome tells Mt Kenya region

    Lands, Housing and Urban Planning Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to shelve political debates until after the 2027 general election and instead focus on implementation of development projects in the region.

    Speaking in Oljabet town, Laikipia West constituency, during the launch of a new market project, Wahome said her ministry enjoys the strongest support from President William Ruto due to the government’s commitment to the affordable housing program.

    “The President constantly talks about housing and markets. Through the affordable housing program, our ministry has created over 200,000 jobs across the country,” she said.

    Wahome also defended the inclusion of opposition politicians in government noting that once a President is elected, he is mandated to work with all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation.

    The CS said the new market, which will host 500 traders, will cost Ksh 56.3 million and is expected to be completed in nine months.

    She pledged transparency in the allocation of stalls and directed the area MCA and local chiefs to ensure the contractor hires local youth.

    Workers engaged in manual labor for the project will earn Ksh 600 per day while artisans will earn Ksh 1,200.

    Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who accompanied the CS, said the cordial relationship between the national and county governments has unlocked significant development opportunities in Laikipia.

    He revealed that Laikipia West constituency had received over Ksh120 million for electricity connectivity.

    Kiunjuri cautioned residents against blindly following emerging political movements.

    “Stop following politicians blindly just because they have launched political parties and are now calling themselves Itungati,” he said.

    “When the time comes, evaluate leaders based on what they have done for the public. Simply calling yourself a Gitungati does not make you a great leader,” he added.

    Using metaphors to illustrate his point, Kiunjuri said, “Do not elect an owl thinking it is a peaceful bird just because it cries loudly. When the time comes, I will campaign for only two people – myself, Mwangi Kiunjuri and President William Ruto.”

    He warned that poor political decisions could have serious consequences.

    “If you gamble with politics in 2027, you will find yourself gnashing your teeth after singing songs led by people who are formless and have no vision.”

  • I’m firmly in government, Lands CS Wahome dismisses resignation claims

    I’m firmly in government, Lands CS Wahome dismisses resignation claims

    Lands, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has dismissed social media allegations that she plans to resign.

    Speaking during a tree-planting event in Laikipia, Wahome emphasised that her position in the Kenya Kwanza government is secure and based on performance.

    “After some officials were dismissed, rumours began that I was next to resign. That is pure daydreaming. I cannot resign from a government I passionately helped to form,” she stated. “Those who were removed weren’t delivering. I am working, and productivity is what keeps one in the office.”

    Wahome made the remarks while leading residents of Mutitu location in the Uaso Narok block of the South Marmanet forest during a monthly tree-planting drive.

    Cabinet Secretaries have each been assigned at least two counties to spearhead reforestation as part of the government’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade. Wahome is overseeing efforts in Nyeri and Laikipia counties.

    She highlighted achievements of President William Ruto’s administration, including efforts to curb banditry in Laikipia, as reasons for her unwavering support. She urged residents to prioritise leaders focused on development over loyalty in the next general election.

    “Don’t go to the next election thinking about ‘our person.’ Choose someone who will work for you,” she advised. She also warned against early politicking, saying it could derail ongoing development projects.

    Wahome voiced support for the reintroduction of the shamba system—a practice that allows people to grow food crops alongside tree seedlings on forest land. She said this would help ensure care for the seedlings and significantly increase tree survival rates.

    “I have agreed with the Environment CS on rolling out the shamba system in Laikipia and we’re awaiting a final green light from the National Conservator,” she said. “It’s a practical way to involve communities in the 15 billion tree goal while also strengthening their food security.”

    Wahome and Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu urged the Kenya Forest Service to distribute more fruit tree seedlings in the next phase of planting. These trees will be allocated to households to boost both environmental and economic resilience.

    So far, Laikipia has planted 80,000 trees under the program. Governor Irungu said that introducing fruit and coffee trees would support the county’s target of planting 340 million trees in the next 10 years.

  • CS Wahome: Over 550,000 Kenyans have applied for affordable houses

    CS Wahome: Over 550,000 Kenyans have applied for affordable houses

    Over 550,000 Kenyans have submitted applications under the government’s affordable housing program.

    The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development estimates the country currently faces a shortage of more than 2 million housing units.

    Speaking In Kwale County, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, and Housing, Alice Wahome, assured of government’s commitment to address the gap with support of the National Treasury and contributions from Kenyans.

    “We need at least 2 million housing units. That is the deficit we are struggling with. We require to build at least 200,000 units per year,” Wahome stated.

    “We have to role out a very robust program which we have done with the support of the National Treasury and Kenyans. We realised that we needed to fund the program and that is why we came up with affordable housing levy,” she added.

    The affordable housing project is a key pillar of the government’s agenda to promote economic growth and improve living conditions by increasing access to home ownership.

    CS Wahome noted that the project is not only about building houses but also creating jobs, and enhancing security by ensuring decent living conditions.

    “We have been able to at least employ 145,000 youth. On the site, in the smallest project, we have at least 200 to 300 youth working per day. The economy around those places and security improves immediately just by mere provision of these projects,” she stated.

  • Lands CS warns officers against soliciting bribes for service delivery

    Lands CS warns officers against soliciting bribes for service delivery

    Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has warned Lands Officers against soliciting bribes from innocent Kenyans before serving them.

    Speaking in South Imenti Constituency during the official opening of a Land Registry at Nkubu town, Ms Wahome said her Ministry will harshly deal with any officer incriminated in any kind of corruption.

    “We have agreed with my PS to wipe out all corrupt lands officers from the Ministry who are causing fights against families and communities due to their underhand dealings,” said Ms Wahome.

    “I am therefore calling on Kenyans to be candid enough in reporting such officers to my office so that we can deal with them once and for all.”

    She also called on Kenyans not to be easily coaxed into giving out their money adding that they were paying the very same officers they were bribing through their taxes.

    “You have elected a government which has employed various officers so that they can serve you in the best way possible. Why then do you want to add more money to a lands officer for the service you have already paid for?” Ms Wahome posed.

    She said she will not tolerate the old habit of corruption in her Ministry adding that she has received various complaints from various parts of Meru County including Igembe and Tigania regions.

     “If you are a lands registrar, you don’t want to dare Alice Wahome because if I hear you are the recipient of these bribes, I will take you home without any hesitation,” said Ms Wahome.

    She said she was committed to clear all the issues that have been bedevilling the Ministry of Lands including issuance of title deeds to public schools that are yet to receive them.

    Wahome directed Imenti South Deputy County Commissioner to get a list of all the schools through their heads so they can be included in the ongoing school titling programme which was currently being offered for free by the government.

    The CS vowed to implement the programme before the end of her tenure in order to recover some of the public lands that have been grabbed.

    “We have no reason not to deliver the services that are within our state departments. I want to confirm that my Ministry is preparing more than 200,000 title deeds countrywide and I know by December more than 300,000 title deeds will be ready for issuance,” said Ms Wahome.

    PS Nixon Korir said the Nkubu Registry was ready to kick off services since it has all the required officers including land surveyor, valuation officer, adjudication officers, land administration officers, as well as the registrar.

    He also promised to provide the office with a vehicle for effective service delivery in the entire region.

    Imenti South MP Shadrack Mwiti said the new lands office symbolises their collective commitment to improving people’s access to essential land services that they have been lacking for years.

     He thanked the CS for gracing the occasion and her unwavering support in making the office a reality.

    “This office will not only streamline land transactions in this area but also empower citizens by providing the necessary resources to navigate complexities. I urge the residents to feel free to come to this office whenever they have any land issue and I am sure they will be served to their satisfaction,” said Mr Mwiti.

    Mwiti also urged the CS to help him in fast racking Igoji/Mweru 3 Land Adjudication Section which he said has faced considerable delays in adjudication.

    The office is expected to serve the three sub counties of Imenti South Constituency which has 27 adjudication sections and more than 250,000 people.

    The opening of the office is in line with a rapid initiative to speed up the issuing of title deeds to land owners across the country.

    After opening of the office, the CS proceeded to the neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County where she issued 19,000 title deeds to the residents of Kathangachini.

    This follows last week’s historic exercise where the CS issued 37,000 title deeds in Igembe North and Igembe South Constituencies in M

  • Mombasa County to host KMRC’s third Affordable Housing Talks

    Mombasa County to host KMRC’s third Affordable Housing Talks

    The Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) has announced the 3rd Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC) that aims to foster collaboration among key stakeholders, discuss sustainable practices, and achievements in the affordable housing sector.

    The conference is scheduled for November 22nd to 23rd, 2023, at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa County under the theme ‘Affordable Housing for Economic Transformation and Social Inclusion’.

    The forum will provide engaging sessions, in-depth discussions and networking opportunities that will contribute to the development and growth of affordable housing in Kenya.

    It will also be a platform for sector stakeholders enhance demand and supply sides linkages and discuss issues affecting the delivery of affordable housing and how to resolve them.

    “This conference is KMRC’s flagship stakeholder event through which we aim to foster public-private dialogue in the pursuit of Kenya’s affordable housing goals. As a company established on the strong auspices of a Public-Private-Partnerships, collaboration is important to our growth and a seamless delivery of our value proposition to our stakeholders,” said KMRC CEO/MD Johnstone Oltetia.

    “We are looking forward to transformative discussions and practical deliberations for implementation by all stakeholders,” he added.

    The conference will also host key government officials, industry leaders, financiers, developers and other experts who play pivotal roles in driving the affordable housing agenda.

    Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome is expected to deliver a keynote address on Land Reforms to support Affordable Housing.

    PS for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga and Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo are also key speakers in the event.

    KMRC commenced its lending operations in September 2020 and has till date disbursed Kes 9.6 billion to participating lenders for on-lending to borrowers.

    The Company provides competitive, low interest, fixed, long-term finance to participating lenders, with a long repayment period (up to 25 years), making home loans attractive and affordable. Through its refinancing, KMRC has positively impacted 10,088 families.

  • Ksh3.4B Bura Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project taking shape

    Ksh3.4B Bura Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project taking shape

    Tana River County residents have been urged to take up irrigation farming at the Bura Irrigation Scheme ahead of the commissioning of a 76 kilometer water canal.

    The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Alice Muthoni Wahome who visited the Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme Rehabilitation Project at Kora intake said she was happy with the progress of the Ksh3.4 billion project that was started in 2017 by the national government.

    “We want to push the irrigated land from the current 5,000 to an extra 15,000 acres for irrigation. We have rice and other crops,” she said.

    The new gravity intake is expected to be completed in December this year and will inject 11 cubic meters of water per second compared to the diesel fed pump station at Nanighi area that pumps only 3 cubic meters per second into the canal.

    “We have pushed the intake further up and therefore we expect more water. The farming activity is still very low and we still need to increase farming activities and introduce commercial farming and I want to encourage residents of Tana River to get ready for the water we shall be releasing soon,” she said.

    CS Alice Wahome during a visit to the Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme Rehabilitation Project at Kora intake.

    It is also touted to reduce operational costs for the Bura scheme hence bringing down the cost of water charged on farmers and it will also enhance food security and support grass root farmers produce food in line with the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

    The project’s execution entails three phases where phase one involved sheet piling and construction of Korakora intake works while phase two focused on the new 26 kilometer main canal from Kora Kora to Nanighi and phase three involved the rehabilitation and lining of the existing 50 kilometer main canal that runs from Nanigi to Bura.

    According to the government, phase one is nearly complete at 98% while phase two has achieved 50% completion and phase three is scheduled to commence in November this year.

    Currently, only 2,500 acres of the 25,000 acres of the scheme is under use and with the new project, not only will it enhance food security but it will also increase beneficiary income and promote industrial crop cultivation through manufacturing.