Njuki, Kareke Praise Collaboration in Maara Affordable Housing Groundbreaking

In what has been referred to as a political bromance ahead of the 2027 general elections, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki and Maara Constituency Member of Parliament Kareke Mbiuki teamed up at the official site handover and groundbreaking ceremony of the Maara Affordable Housing Project on Friday at Majira, Chogoria.

The two leaders, seemingly speaking from the same script, applauded the partnership between the national and county governments that will facilitate the construction and completion of the KShs 974 million affordable housing project in Maara.

Governor Njuki, in his speech, praised the affordable housing initiative as a visionary idea by the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasizing the need to protect existing parcels of land for agricultural use.

He thanked President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for their efforts in delivering on promises made to the people, urging elected leaders to fulfill their campaign pledges to secure re-election.

“In high population density areas, there is a need for proper housing planning. The new system championed by President Ruto for affordable housing will help us preserve our future as an agricultural county. We will have no land left for agriculture if everyone builds a home. Affordable housing is the future of Kenya. We thank President Ruto for implementing it here. This is a visionary idea that needs our support,” he said.

“We want to see results, not promises. Anybody who makes promises must deliver. That is what we want,” he added.

Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki thanked the county government for availing land for the Maara Affordable Housing Project, calling on other leaders to prioritize collaboration and unity to advance the county’s development.

“I want to thank Governor Muthomi Njuki for making the parcel of land available for this project. The National Government cannot work without support from the County Government. We want to cultivate that synergy across the county, just as we have in Maara,” he said.

Kareke also thanked the Kenya Kwanza administration for honoring its promise to create jobs for Kenyan youth, urging the contractor on site to prioritize locals in construction and service provision.

“During the campaigns, we promised solutions for unemployment and economic empowerment for our people. We have qualified youth with relevant skills who should be employed in this project. Our residents must be prioritized for available site jobs to ensure we grow our economy from the bottom up,” he said.

“In the lead-up to the 2022 elections, one of the key issues President William Ruto addressed was affordable housing. Over time, the vision for this project will become clearer. We thank President William Ruto and his deputy Kithure Kindiki for implementing and prioritizing it,” Kareke added.

A total of 392 units are expected to be constructed at Majira, consisting of studio and one- to three-bedroom apartments, with completion expected within 18 months.

Other projects in the county include the construction of Chogoria, Chuka, and Cheera ESP Markets; Chuka and Marimanti Affordable Housing Projects; and student accommodation facilities at Tharaka University and Muraga Technical Institute.

In his speech, Governor Njuki announced major projects in Maara, including the upgrade of the Majira–Makuri road to high-quality murram, the improvement of the Majira–Kimuchia–Kairuni road, and the upgrade of the Kiganjo, Kilifi, and Lower Kimuchia bridges.

He also revealed plans to give Chogoria Town a deserving municipal facelift by installing cabro pavings in town access roads.