𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Debate on the Affordable Housing Bill, No.75 of 2023, commenced in the National Assembly on Thursday, February 15, 2024 afternoon sitting.

Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, commended Members of the Joint Committee comprising the Departmental Committees on Finance and National Planning and that on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works. The Committee did an extensive job on public hearings and collection of expert opinions in 19 out of the 47 counties in the country.

 According to Hon. Ichung’wah, the Affordable Housing Program is an opportunity to spur the economy and create employment for youths. He urged members who are yet to identify sites for construction of the houses in their constituencies to do so.

 “The Joint Departmental Committees on Finance and National Planning and that of Housing, Urban Planning & Public Works have done a commendable job in conducting public participation across the country. Therefore, I would like to urge Members who are yet to comply with the letter from the Housing Principal Secretary, to do so and propose sites for construction of affordable houses in their constituencies,” Hon. Ichungw’ah said.

 Chairperson Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, Hon. Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr), told the House that during the public participation exercise the pertinent questions raised were; how the houses will be accessed impartially, how to make voluntary contribution and how to ensure everyone is levied without discrimination.

 Hon. Ng’eno said that, it is through the Affordable Housing Program that the Government will be able to actualize Article 43 (1) b of the Constitution on right to accessible and adequate housing.

 Contributing to the debate, Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi opposed the Bill arguing that even if it was to be passed into law, it was not going to contribute to the realization of the rights under Article 43 (1) b of the Constitution.

“The Bill is simply trying to respond to queries raised by the High Court last year. My submission, however, is that this Bill does not cure the deficiencies that were apparent in the Finance Bill, 2023,” said Hon. Wandayi.