President William Ruto is scheduled to officially approve the Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bills No. 75 of 2023) on Monday, following its successful passage by Parliament on Thursday. This legislation forms the cornerstone of the nation’s affordable housing program.
During an address in Bomet on Saturday, President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to signing the bill into law, citing its alignment with court rulings on housing matters. “On Monday, I will endorse the bill because we are in agreement with the court regarding housing issues. Our aim is to bring about transformative change in our country,” President Ruto remarked.
He emphasized the wide-ranging benefits of the affordable housing initiative, including its potential to generate employment opportunities for youth, ensure sufficient land for agricultural purposes, and bolster the manufacturing sector. “Housing will create jobs for our youth, improve living conditions, secure land for food production, and promote industrial growth,” he elaborated.
With the enactment of this legislation, the government is poised to initiate the collection of the housing levy, set at 1.5% for both employers and employees, as early as the end of March. Despite legal challenges, including a recent court ruling invalidating the levy, the Kenya Kwanza administration has pursued its reinstatement through legislative channels.
However, opposition lawmakers have voiced objections to the bill, labeling it unlawful and unconstitutional. Nonetheless, pro-government legislators successfully advanced the legislation on Thursday, despite resistance from their counterparts aligned with the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The imminent implementation of the Affordable Housing Bill represents a significant stride in the government’s efforts to tackle housing issues and stimulate economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.
