Security boosts Murang’a town property sector

Testimony to improved earnings in the region, he says, includes reopening of banks that had closed shop following the 1990’s economic crunch.

He says they are holding talks with banks to extend affordable mortgage loans to civil servants and farmers.

George Githuka, an investor who plans to put up residential houses says: “The council lacks a master plan for urbanisation. There is no coordinated development plan and this is a serious impediment to investors who fear incurring losses if they develop property in wrong areas.”

The council acknowledges this challenge and in a paper, prepared to guide urbanisation, cites numerous challenges dogging the property market.

Town Clerk Sammy Njogu says land subdivision is a major problem.

“It is a challenge and we are doing all in our powers to redress the situation. We are in the process of preparing a spatial framework to guide and control the vibrant developments being experienced in the region,” he says.

Complaints from residents

In response to complaints from residents and investors that the town lacks a solid waste management system, Mr Njogu says the council will soon announce solid waste collection points and that resources will be pumped into establishing a sewerage disposal infrastructure.

“This will be after we harmonise and reconcile the Local Government Act and the Physical Planning Act governing the sector,” he says.

He adds that the flourishing developments might pose a danger if the inspectorate department sleeps on the job of ensuring buildings adhered to the law.

“We have to enforce to the letter the Physical Planning Act Cap 286, especially on building plans and other development applications,” he says.

Mr Natembeya says incentives will be extended to people who seek to invest in the region.