Ruto Promises 1K Affordable Houses For Slum Dwellers by December.
Kenya's President William has promised to relocate one thousand Mathare and Kibra Slum dwellers to the Affordable housing unit's before the year ends.
President William Ruto, revealed this at Nairobi Primary School grounds on Sunday, November 3, during the 73rd anniversary of the African Divine Church, while attending service.
The Head of State, reiterated his commitment to change the Country, announcing 1,000 housing units will be provided to low-income Kenyans through the affordable housing programme.
" We are going to change this country. Today, here in Nairobi, in Mukuru and Kibera, we have built affordable housing where a common citizen, who is currently paying KSh 3,000 for inadequate housing with no water, electricity, or toilets, will instead pay for these new homes." president Ruto said.
"By December, I will return to inaugurate these first 1,000 units. A citizen who now lives in a shack will move into an 11-story apartment building for just KSh 3,000. I am confident we are going to take this nation to the next level,” Ruto added.
The President, echoed his recent remarks, during the Swearing-in Ceremony of the Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, stating all he had lacked was a supportive deputy in the now impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Earlier this year, the Parliamentary Budget Office issued a warning regarding the government’s affordable housing program, stating that a significant portion of the intended beneficiaries, who are primarily middle and low-income earners, may face exclusion.
According to the findings of the Parliamentary Budget Office, over 70% of the individuals targeted by the program fall into the middle and low-income brackets.
However, it was discovered that high-income earners are likely to benefit more, with 36% of the funds allocated for the construction of institutional housing programs and projects aimed at individuals earning above Ksh.149,000 per month.
Despite the program’s initial promise to uplift ‘hustlers’ living in substandard conditions by providing access to affordable homes and addressing the country’s housing deficit of over 2 million units, concerns have arisen that it may disproportionately favor the privileged.
An analysis conducted by the Parliamentary Budget Office on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 revealed that homeownership among those earning less than Ksh.50,000 gross income is notably low.
Additionally, while 74% of the population comprises both formally and informally employed individuals, only 60% of the funds have been allocated to their respective categories of housing.
The parliamentary housing committee acknowledged the disparities in allocations raised during a public participation meeting.
“Yes, this was one of the issues that came up during public participation, the concern being the disparity in allocations, and it will be one of the matters that will be debated on,” stated Johana Ng’eno, chairman of the housing committee.
During the public participation meeting, concerns were also expressed about the government potentially redirecting the proceeds from the housing levy to other functions.
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Budget Office expressed concerns that if the housing levy remained nullified and the government continued to face resource shortages, contractual agreements between developers and the government might face challenges.