Builders decry risk of income loss
By Barack Oduor, January 9, 2024
An organisation of informal workers in the construction industry yesterday expressed fears that hundreds of their members engaged in the construction under the Affordable Housing Units by the government might lose their jobs should the courts stop deductions in the housing levy.
Construction sites
The National Umbrella Organisation for Jua Kali Contractors announced that their members who are already working and earning from houses being built in Nairobi and across the counties are set to lose their savings and livelihoods if the project is stopped.
National Chairman and Head of Construction Projects at the organisation Peter Muthaaka said there are up to 5,000 informal workers currently engaged in the construction sites.
“Jua kali workers currently engaged in the building of affordable houses are worried that they may lose their jobs should the government lose the cases against the programme in court. I am appealing that an amicable solution be found such that the project doesn’t stop,” said Muthaaka.
At the Kibera Soweto Affordable Housing Project where Muthaaa had visited to inspect the ongoing works, he said the main contractor has already put plans for mass production of steel doors and windows from local welders while electricians are set to perform wiring in the building.