The Kenya government will purchase Sh3 billion worth of doors and windows from the informal sector as part of the affordable housing project. The Infrastructure ministry says it will place orders to produce 100,000 doors and 120,000 windows from local providers.

The ministry has asked players in the informal sector, commonly known as jua kali, to work within their associations so as to access opportunities as project suppliers for Nairobi’s Starehe and Shauri Moyo estates.

Housing PS Charles Hinga said the ministry has ring-fenced some components used in construction of homes to ensure that the jua kali sector can supply inputs to the programme.

“The jua kali sector is a big contributor to employment in the country and a key enabler of the manufacturing sector. We are keen to upskill them to enable them to contribute to this national development project while supporting their growth,” Mr Hinga said.

KNCCI is recognized by the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development as a strategic partner to support the MSMEs (Juakali) to access the AHP business opportunities through linkages with various financial institutions countrywide.

The ministry is encouraging players in the informal sector to form and register associations to provide construction components and materials for the Affordable Housing Programme. “We have ring-fenced 69 items which must be supplied by our jua kali sector,” he said, adding that to enable funding, a multi-agency committee led by National Construction Authority (NCA) will provide the players with 30 per cent advance payment upon successful bidding.

Industrialization PS Francis Owino said the informal sector is critical to achieving the Big Four Agenda, especially the manufacturing pillar. “The informal sector has the greatest potential to enable the realisation of the Big Four Agenda and economic growth as they are critical players in the production of construction sector materials and components, and are a key contributor to employment creation,” Mr Owino said.

They spoke after launching the jua kali production manual for the components of the programme that will provide stakeholders with knowledge on the standards required to design and manufacture items for the government’s affordable housing projects.