Nairobi — A number of incentives will be introduced by the Government to spur the development of houses.

It will fund infrastructure in areas where housing schemes are to be developed thereby lowering the cost of the houses. This was announced yesterday by Housing minister Soita Shitanda during the launch of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) customer service charter. Industry players estimated that the move will cut the cost of housing development by about 25 per cent, which will be a relief to potential house owners.

Mr Shitanda said the Government would also encourage issurance of NHC bonds to increase the rate of construction of houses in the country.

"The Government will strive to develop sufficient houses for the low income groups." he said, adding that the public-private partnership would enable more people own houses and meet the target of 150,000 house units per year.