Public gives views on housing levy
By Mercy.Mwai and KNA, January 24, 2024
Kenyans yesterday told lawmakers to amend the law to include a clause that will compel the government to set aside several houses to benefit the poorest in society as well as those constructing affordable houses.
While presenting their views on the Affordable Housing Bill before the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, various groups also told MPs to ensure that all jobs emanating from the project will be given to Kenyans.
They also told the lawmakers to lower the monthly income of Sh21,000 that is required per month to enable them qualify for one room to Sh3,000 as this is what they earn daily.
Housing units
The groups which included Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Technical University of Kenya (TUC), Juakali Artisan, Gikomba Traders, Kenyan Pentecostal Churches Bishops, Persons Living with Disabilities, Mukuru Slum Association, Kawangware Residents, and Matatu Welfare Association although supported the project said it will only be beneficial to Kenyans if the poorest will be allocated housing units.
Juakali traders led by Peter Ng’ang’a, in its brief said that their members should benefit just like they did during the Uhuru Kenyatta administration where they were allocated some of the houses constructed in Ngara.
Said Ng’ang’a: “As Juakali Artisans, we demand that some house be set aside for us so that we can benefit.”
Kawangare Association said that the Sh21000 that they will be required to part with to own houses is too expensive for them and thus pleaded that the said amount be lowered.
Reads their petition: “The Sh21,000 is so expensive, we are asking you if you can be able to lower it to Sh3,000 so that mama mboga in the village can benefit.”
KAM in their petition told the MPs to ensure that the affordable housing project should emphasise on local content where certain materials will be sources locally and jobs emanating from the project be given to the youth.