The aroma of fresh stew and chapati wafts through the humid lakeside air, signaling the midday break for an army of 1,200 construction workers reshaping Kisumu’s horizon. It is lunch hour at the Lumumba Affordable Housing Project, and the site transforms from a construction zone into a bustling marketplace.

This is the daily rhythm in Kisumu Central, where a sprawling development is promising not just shelter, but a much-needed adrenaline shot to the local economy before its slated completion in June 2026. Visible from the main highway, the rising concrete structures are already defining the city's skyline, marking a shift from the old Lumumba estate to a modern urban hub.

The ‘Mathe wa Food’ Economy

While the steel and cement garner the headlines, the immediate economic impact is felt most acutely on the ground. The site has spawned a micro-economy, anchored by over 10 serving points manned by local women—fondly referred to as ‘Mathe wa Food’ by the workforce.

These vendors represent the ripple effect of the government-led Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). For every mason and welder employed, there is a supply chain of food vendors, transport providers, and material suppliers benefiting directly. The project has effectively turned the area into a thriving locality, with established small businesses reporting a surge in footfall and revenue.

Progress on the Ground

Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, recently inspected the site to assess the pace of construction. Hinga emphasized that the project is gaining significant momentum, aligning with the national agenda to dignify housing while creating employment.

Key highlights from the site include:

• Workforce: Over 1,200 skilled and semi-skilled workers currently on site.
• Timeline: The project is on schedule for a June 2026 handover.
• Impact: Direct integration with the 'Boma Yangu' initiative, aiming to provide accessible homeownership.

As the towers rise, the Lumumba project stands as a litmus test for the AHP's promise: that construction can drive an economic ecosystem. For the 1,200 workers and the vendors feeding them, that promise is currently putting food on the table.