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The National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works has called on the Affordable Housing Board to adhere strictly to its mandate and ensure proper management of the Housing Levy Fund, which is crucial to the success of the government’s affordable housing agenda.
The meeting, held at the Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, was chaired by Hon. Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikiir), who expressed concerns over delays in the development of the five-year and Annual Investment Affordable Housing Programme.
“How long do you want to be given as the Board to do this work?” questioned Hon. Ng’eno, highlighting the urgency of delivering affordable housing to Kenyans.
In response, Mr. Cosmas Mutava, a Board member, explained that the delay was due to the Institution’s recent categorization, which had impacted their operations.
Committee members also stressed the importance of public awareness regarding the acquisition of affordable housing units. Hon. Caleb Mule (Machakos Town) raised concerns about the assurance provided to Kenyans who are ready to pay deposits for these units. He emphasized the need for transparency and timely communication to build public trust in the program.
Hon. Innocent Obiri (Bobasi) sought clarity on the status of projects initiated by the Board, inquiring about the number of projects that had been started and completed.
Hon. Ng’eno further underscored the objective of the Housing Levy Fund, stating that the Committee would closely scrutinize the Affordable Housing Regulations to ensure fairness. He emphasized that the requirement for a 10% mandatory deposit should not be included in the regulations if it poses a barrier to access for potential homeowners.
During the meeting, Hon. Jane Kagiri expressed concern about the lack of water supply at the Githurai market housing project, despite reports indicating the project had been completed. This highlighted the need for thorough oversight to ensure that completed projects meet all necessary standards.
Hon. Kakai Bissau (Kiminini) cautioned the Board against overburdening contractors with multiple projects. He suggested that it would be more effective to limit contractors to a maximum of three projects at a time to ensure quality and timely completion.
Defending the Board, Acting CEO Ms. Sheila Waweru assured the Committee of their commitment to the equitable distribution of housing projects across the country. She also pointed out the Board’s efforts in raising public awareness, which is crucial for the success of the affordable housing initiative.
Acknowledging the Committee’s concerns, the Board’s Chairperson, Mr. Jeremiah Simu, disclosed that the Board had not yet started new projects but pledged to address the issues raised by the Committee members.
The Committee concluded by warning the Board against diverting taxpayers’ money meant for affordable housing units to unrelated projects. The legislators stressed the need for accountability and transparency in managing the Housing Levy Fund to ensure that the government’s affordable housing goals are achieved.
