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MPs seek new law to protect Affordable Housing units from cartels

National Assembly Finance Committee chairperson Kimani Kuria conducting public hearings at County Hall Mini Chambers, Parliament Buildings. (X/Kimani Kuria)

By Apollo Ochieng | Thursday, February 1, 2024

MP Kuria sought to allay fears that the wealthy may buy off most of the houses for later resale at a profit.

The National Assembly Finance Committee has said it will table a bill aimed at protecting Affordable Housing units from cartels.

The legislation on the Affordable Housing units will ensure every Kenya Revenue Authority pin-holder gets a single unit.

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Committee chairperson Kimani Kuria says the move is to ensure equity in the distribution of the houses and to protect low-income earners against exploitation by the wealthy when purchasing the houses.

Speaking during a public participation exercise on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 in Vihiga County on Wednesday, Kuria sought to allay fears that the wealthy may buy off most of the houses for later resale at a profit.

"Concerns that these houses may end up largely benefiting other people as opposed to the common man have been raised in all the counties we have conducted public hearings.

"However, I want to reiterate that the Committee will propose measures to ensure that this program benefits even those at the very bottom. That is why the program is dubbed the Affordable Housing Program," Kuria, also the Molo MP, said.

The MP was responding to concerns that the project may be hijacked by cartels, who might buy the housing units and sell them at a profit.

He, however, said that the committee has undertaken to enact water-tight legislation to safeguard the Affordable Housing Program.

The MP also added that the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, will provide a legal framework for establishing the Affordable Housing Fund, access to affordable housing and giving effect to Article 43(1)(b) of the Constitution on the right to accessible and adequate housing.

Leaders present at the event including Vihiga County deputy governor Wilberforce Kitiezo and area MPs Ernest Kivai (Vihiga) and Beatrice Adagala (county woman rep), endorsed the project, adding that it is a godsend.

The three told the Committee that the project would help alleviate the housing challenge in the county given the huge population density and small land mass.