Buxton Point has started the handing over process of the Sh6 billion modern and affordable housing project to homeowners.

The delivery of the units will be done on a sectional basis with the first one targeted for the handing over being District C. Phase 1 has District A, B and C with a total of 584 units.

Speaking during a tree planting exercise at Buxton point on Saturday, Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir demanded for a clear tenant purchase scheme for Buxton estate tenants before the projects are completed and tenants are let in.

Nassir noted that failure to resolve the matter amicably has continued to raise concerns from buyers and those who were evicted to pave way for the project.

“As we plant trees, I want to urge the developer, Suleiman Shahbal, before the first tenants occupy their houses, to finalise every tenant purchase agreement possible, so that we will ensure people own houses, “said Nassir.

Nassir said the matter has escalated to the senate, where he is expected to appear before the senate to shed light on the project implementation.

Former Buxton tenants have often complained about what they termed as unclear tenant purchase deals.

“I raised this matter in the parliament, and also going to answer questions in the senate, and we need to address this process so that we can ensure there is no victimization,” said Nassir urging his executives to ensure actualization of the project.

At the same time the governor said he is working on a plan that will see all other former tenants get units in the redeveloped Buxton Point Apartments.

The plan involves trying to negotiate a tenant purchase scheme with financial institutions for the 346 tenants who were not county employees.

“I have written a letter to the state department of housing that the government should chip in and ensure that those who don’t have houses get houses,” said Nassir.

He further stated that the 176 county employees who were former tenants at Buxton estate will have the scheme.

He added” Nobody will stay without a house, we want to talk to the government to ensure a purchase scheme favours employees of the county government, so that by the time they retire they own a house,” said Nassir.

Suleiman Shahbal, the brains behind the project, said Mombasa has now become a benchmark destination on matters of housing and urban development following the construction of the Buxton Point project.

He said the sold-out Phase 1, which has 584 units, will change the narrative about social and affordable housing in Mombasa and Kenya at large. Phase 2 of the project will have 1,300 units, which are currently on sale.

Shahbal said Mombasa should be proud that it is the pioneer of housing projects. He said the Buxton point has benefitted over 3000 people and over 30 companies. He said the project is nearing completion.

“Mortgage is high and we know many people can’t afford it, to pay it, but we are in collaboration with the president to ensure we reduce the mortgage so that people can afford to pay,” said Shahbal.

Former Mombasa mayor said politics should not derail any development. He said Shahbal was able to navigate through political interference to put up the multi-Million project.