Emgwen Affordable Housing Project units in Nandi County remain 99 per cent unoccupied four months after completion. The modern estate stands quiet in Kapsabet Town with only one resident, marathon record breaker Sabastian Sawe, living among the 220 units.
The Boma Yangu Estate features nine blocks with a mix of homes. There are 60 studio units, 20 one-bedroom apartments, 120 two-bedroom homes, and 20 three-bedroom houses. Local leaders once celebrated the project as a major step toward giving families decent shelter at fair prices.
Today the compound feels almost deserted. A few security guards walk the grounds while most doors stay locked and windows remain curtained.
Sabastian Sawe became the lone occupant after his remarkable achievement in the marathon. Authorities awarded him a unit to recognise his success in putting Kenya on the global map once again.
His presence brings some life to the estate, but one person cannot fill 220 homes. Neighbours say they rarely see activity beyond his block. Children who hoped to play in the compound still wait for more families to move in.
Residents of Kapsabet have mixed feelings about the situation. Some wonder why ordinary working people cannot access the units easily. A teacher living nearby said many families in the area struggle to raise the required deposit and monthly payments even though the project was meant to help low- and middle-income earners. Others blame slow paperwork and strict eligibility rules that keep interested buyers waiting for months.
County officials admit the uptake has been slower than expected. They point to the need for better awareness campaigns and possible review of payment plans to match what local salaries can support.
Some suggest that marketing the project more aggressively across Nandi and neighbouring counties could help fill the empty homes. A small business owner in town hoped the estate would bring more customers to his shop, but with so few people moving in, his expectations remain on hold.
The project was launched with big promises. Leaders spoke about reducing the housing shortage and creating jobs during construction. While the building phase did provide temporary work for local youth, the long-term benefits seem delayed. Questions are now being asked about the future of similar projects if this one struggles to attract occupants.
Community elders in Emgwen have urged the government to listen to ordinary citizens when setting prices and requirements. They believe many hard-working people such as teachers, nurses, and small traders would love to live in the estate if the terms were more friendly.
On the brighter side, the quality of construction has received praise. Those who have viewed the units inside describe them as well-finished with good natural lighting and ventilation.
As four months turn into five, the estate continues to stand as a symbol of good intentions that have yet to deliver full results. Sabastian Sawe occasionally trains near the compound, providing a small reminder of what the project could become once more families find their way there.
For now, the quiet blocks raise important questions about matching housing projects with the actual needs and financial realities of Kenyans on the ground.
The Emgwen Affordable Housing Project in Nandi County is 99% unoccupied four months after completion. Only Sabastian Sawe lives in Boma Yangu Estate, Kapsabet. Full details on 220 units and local reactions.
