Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for a Senate inquiry into what he describes as the irregular development of affordable housing projects on public and community land, warning that the government’s housing agenda must not become a vehicle for land grabbing.

Taking it to his X handle on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Omtatah has noted that in a formal request for a statement submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, he cited findings contained in the auditor-general’s report, which flagged several affordable housing projects for lacking proper land ownership documentation and for failing to comply with established legal procedures.

“Affordable housing cannot become a cover for land grabbing,” Omtatah said.

According to Omtatah, the Auditor-General’s findings indicate that numerous housing projects were initiated without lawful land allocation, adequate documentation, or adherence to constitutional and statutory requirements governing public and community land. He argued that such actions may contravene constitutional provisions relating to national values, property rights and land management.

The senator further noted that concerns have emerged over the apparent failure to observe legal requirements for public participation and community consent, particularly in areas where community land is involved.

Omtatah’s request for affordable housing register

In his request, Omtatah wants the Senate committee to provide a comprehensive register of all affordable housing projects identified by the Auditor-General as lacking proper land ownership records, including details on their locations and implementation status.

He is also seeking clarification on the legal status of the land hosting the projects and whether due process was followed in their allocation, reservation or conservation before construction commenced.

Additionally, the senator has demanded information on compliance with constitutional requirements for public participation, the steps taken to regularise land ownership, and measures implemented to protect the rights of intended beneficiaries.

Omtatah is also pushing for accountability from public officials and agencies found culpable of violating land laws and planning regulations. He wants the committee to outline actions taken against responsible officers and detail safeguards put in place to prevent similar irregularities in future projects.

Further, the senator has asked whether investigations have been initiated by oversight and enforcement agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and to provide updates on the status of any ongoing probes.

“I have formally demanded a Senate inquiry. Public land is not for plunder. Accountability must come before construction,” Omtatah stated.

The request is expected to intensify scrutiny of the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the government’s flagship development initiatives, amid growing concerns over transparency, land ownership and compliance with the law.