Parliament is set to collaborate with the United Nations-Habitat in the housing and urban development legislation in the country.

Speaking after hosting UN-Habitat Acting Executive Director Michal Mlynar on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula acknowledged the crucial role Parliament plays in enacting legislation that addresses various social issues, including housing and urban development.

Speaker Wetang’ula expressed his appreciation to the UN-Habitat for its global organization’s initiative to ensure the country achieves its dream of affordably and adequately housing its citizens.

“I expressed my appreciation for UN Habitat’s dedication to ensuring the realization of the constitutional right to adequate housing,” Wetangula said, adding that it was heartening to learn about the global organization’s initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.

Mlynar shared details about their programs in Kenya, which focus on beautification of public spaces, urban planning for new towns, improving urban water and sanitation services, and implementing blue economy projects.

Wetangula noted that the efforts align closely with our legislative priorities and underscore the importance of sustainable urban development.

“Together, we look forward to continued collaboration with UN-Habitat to enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” Wetangula added.

Also present during the meeting were Mohammed Shalle, Legal Counsel, and Japheth Muthomi, Deputy Director of Communications-National Assembly.

UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements.

It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

Housing levy

In March 2024, President William Ruto signed into law the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, paving the way for Kenyans to part with 1.5 per cent of their gross salary to the fund.

While employed individuals will be required to pay 1.5 per cent of their gross salary, their employers will be required to pay a similar amount on behalf of the employees.

In the law, non-salaried Kenyans will be required to pay 1.5 per cent of their gross income monthly to the housing fund.

Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the state will rely on the Kenya Revenue Authority to identify non-salaried Kenyans’ incomes and calculate the 1.5 per cent to be deducted.

According to Ruto, the Housing programme will not only offer decent living conditions but also create employment.

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