PS Hinga calls for sober discussion on the housing fund

Hinga emphasized that the Azimio coalition and its presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, had once voiced unwavering support for the housing levy and should remain consistent in their position despite the electoral outcome.

The PS recalled a significant meeting held in 2012 with Raila Odinga, where they passionately deliberated the dire housing deficit in Kenya. 

He acknowledged Raila's genuine concern for Kenyans residing in informal settlements across the country. The PS He emphasized that the majority of Kenyans are compelled to live in rental properties not by choice, but due to the unaffordability of homeownership.

Acknowledging the varying perspectives on how to solve the housing crisis, Hinga stressed the importance of reaching a consensus that a problem indeed exists.

With approximately 4 million Kenyans residing in informal settlements deprived of basic services, Hinga criticized the privileged few who attempt to dictate solutions for the less fortunate when the government endeavors to address their plight.

Under the Affordable Housing Program, the government offers free land, tax exemptions for developers, and standardized production costs for materials. These incentives are expected to significantly reduce the cost of housing units compared to those offered by private developers.

Hinga asserted that while the program aims to bridge the housing deficit by providing decent and affordable units, it also addresses youth unemployment.

Highlighting the success stories associated with the Affordable Housing programme , Hinga drew attention to the Ngokomka association, which completed 8,500 doors for the Parkroad project at a cost of Ksh 120 million. Members of the association used their earnings from this project to fulfill their dream of owning houses.

In a positive move, Hinga welcomed the debate surrounding the finance bill and ensured that the public's recommendations would be taken into consideration. He emphasized the urgent need to rectify the broken housing system in Kenya, as there are currently 1,141 informal settlements and over 65% of urban-dwelling Kenyans live in slums.

Hinga cautioned against relying solely on the private sector to address the housing deficit, as it would only provide for a mere 3% of the required housing units, leaving informal settlements to continue expanding.

The call for a constructive discussion on the housing fund reflects the growing concern for Kenya's housing crisis and the urgency to find sustainable solutions that prioritize the needs of all Kenyans.