We want industries to get jobs not affordable houses – George Natembeya
By Kiprono Keileb, January 2, 2026Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly criticised the government’s affordable housing programme, saying it does not address the real needs of ordinary people in his region.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, January 22025, Natembeya said residents of Trans Nzoia are more concerned about jobs and livelihoods than housing projects funded through compulsory deductions.
Speaking about young people struggling to find employment, the governor argued that sustainable jobs, not housing levies, should be the priority of government policy. He said industries would empower citizens to earn their own income and build homes independently, rather than rely on state-driven housing schemes.
In his message, Natembeya stated that the people of Trans Nzoia are clear about what they want and will not be misled by policies they believe are unfair or poorly conceived.
“Sisi watu hapa Trans Nzoia hatutaki mambo ya affordable housing, sisi tunataka industries, watuletee industries iajiri watoto wetu, tujenge industries watu wapate kazi na wajenge nyumba wenyewe,” Natembeya stated
He went on to question the logic behind the housing levy, particularly for salaried workers who are forced to contribute but still have to buy houses later.
According to Natembeya, this arrangement places an unnecessary burden on workers already facing a high cost of living.
The governor said many Kenyans feel exploited by deductions that do not translate into direct benefits for them, especially when transparency is lacking.
“Saa hizi watu wanafanya kazi ya serikali wanakatwa pesa ya housing levy, lakini hio nyumba tena unaenda kununua. Umejenga na pesa yetu tena tunaenda kununua. We know exactly what we are doing, we are not stupid,” he stated
Management of public funds
Natembeya also raised concerns about how public funds are being managed, warning that taxes collected from Kenyans are not personal property for those in power to use as they wish. He stressed that all public funds must be used strictly within the law and with full accountability.
“Ushuru ya wakenya si personal property utumie vile unataka. It must be used according to the law,” he stated
Beyond housing, the governor questioned the creation of new funds whose operations are unclear even to lawmakers. He expressed alarm over reports that money from the sale of parastatals is being channelled into funds that may escape proper oversight.
According to Natembeya, lack of clarity and accountability threatens public trust and opens the door to misuse of national resources.
“Hii pia wanaita infrastructure fund, hata wabunge hawajua itafanya kazi namna gani.Parastatals zinauzwa pia inaingizwa kwa fund ambayo haiwezi kuwa audited na auditor general,” Natembeya stated