𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

 The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works, chaired by Hon. Johana Ng'eno (Emurua Dikirr), met with the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Wahome and the Principal Secretary for Housing, Mr. Charles Hinga over the 2024 Budget Policy Statement.

 In their submissions, the Ministry and the State Department of Housing presented an approved ceiling of Kshs.80.56 bilion with Kshs.79.19 billion geared towards development expenditure of which Kshs.63.22 billion derived from the housing levy.

As of December 31, 2023, the State Department had initiated the construction of 46,762 affordable and social housing units across the country against an annual target of 250,000. An additional 40,000 units are poised to commence construction shortly.

Moreover, progress on constructing markets in all 290 constituencies has reached an advanced stage, forming a crucial component of the Affordable Housing Project's social and physical infrastructure.

Hon. Alice Wahome underscored the Government's commitment to provide decent housing in line with Article 43 of the Constitution. She noted that plans are underway for 200,000 houses, some of which will be facilitated by investors, to address the housing deficit.

During the meeting, lawmakers raised concerns about the availability of public land in all constituencies for the construction of affordable housing.

"There are areas or constituencies that do not have public land. How are you going to build affordable housing in these areas?" asked  Ng'eno.

In response, Mr. Hinga highlighted the Affordable Housing Bill recently passed by the National Assembly and the Land Laws Amendment Bill as having the necessary provisions.

"The Affordable Housing programme is intended to benefit all 290 constituencies. We currently have 45 active sites across the country," said Mr. Hinga.

 During the meeting, Members also raised concern over stalled construction of markets despite the funds having been allocated for the same.  

Members highlighted the need to conduct feasibility studies and conduct public participation in these markets. 

"Some of the markets are placed in very unviable locations, was there an evaluation?" asked Hon. Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta). 

The Committee urged the State Department of Housing and Urban Development to re-evaluate the placement of markets and do due diligence for better outcomes of the project.