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Kisii Grapples With Demand As Essential Services Lack

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Published on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:57

Rental prices for commercial and residential space in Kisii town are on the rise as demand outstrips existing supply. Rent in most residential estates in the town has gone up by 50 per cent in the last few months as landlords rush to capitalise on the rocketing demand. The town is among the fastest growing urban areas in Kenya, which has seen property values appreciate owing to increased activity.

Lucrative returns in the property sector have seen investors move in to put up several residential and commercial buildings that are expected to make up the bulk of new build in the town. Analysts say increased investor confidence has contributed to the boom in the town. Kisii has six major residential estates namely: Milimani, Mwembe, Jogoo, Nyangena, Gesonso and Nyanchwa. "I was shocked when my landlord increased rent by 50 per cent last year. I wanted to move out but others had also done it," said Nancy Moraa, a banker in the town.

Inadequate housing has seen many civil servants and other professionals working in Kisii opt to commute from outlying areas as far as Nyamira, Keroka, Suneka and Ogembo which are now serving as dormitory towns as rents here are relatively affordable. "I was transferred from Nairobi to Kisii and couldn't get a house in Kisii. So a friend advised me to live in Nyamira and commute to Kisii. I see no problem in this," says John Nyangeri a civil servant.

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has just completed building new residential houses for sale at Kisii Highrise Pahse I in Nyanchwa estate most of which are now sold off, hinting at the high demand for both rental and owner-occupier space. Demand for commercial space in the town is in a huge way being driven by banks that are of late trooping into Kisii. Major Banks have opened branches here, taking up major buildings including Uhuru Plaza, Ouru Towers, Ouru Complex and Umoja Plaza. "The major developments you see in this town is due to investor confidence despite the challenges we are facing in the town which should be addressed," said Sam Nyangeso, former Kisii mayor.

Developers are putting up new developments despite lack of serviced land in the town and infrastructural challenges that include poor road network, open manholes, garbage, congestion, poor water and sewerage system and massive land grabbing. Land grabbers are taking advantage of the huge demand for land to dispose it off to unsuspecting buyers.

Gusii Water and Sewerage Company (GWASCO) is currently improving the Kegati water supply system, with managing director Eng. John Mogoba saying this is among several interventions being put in place to increase water supply. The firm is also about to complete a Sh10 million Menyinkwa water supply system. GWASCO also says it will connect all residential estates in the town to the sewer system.