Residents of Machakos County have backed the Affordable Housing Project, hailing it as an initiative that will enable low income earners to own houses.
Speaking during a Public Participation exercise on the Housing Levy Bill led by the Parliamentary Housing Committee Vice Chair, Buuri Member of Parliament, Rindikiri Mugambi, the residents rallied behind the programme.
“The programme will give an opportunity to low incoming earners to become home owners at an affordable price,” said Joseph Kasingo a Mavoko resident.
Kasingo a Jua Kali artisan said, “I am in full support of the Affordable Housing Project. We have been paying rent for a very long time and with savings, hustlers can now buy houses and live with their families comfortably.”
He added that the project had also created employment to thousands of Jua Kali artisans hence improving their livelihoods.
Titus Kibicho also a resident, endorsed the project, saying it would spur economic development in the Country.
Kibicho who runs a hardware, said the programme will drive demand for construction materials, creating business for him and other Kenyans in the construction industry.
“I support the idea because it will create jobs. Several sectors such as welding, cement production, roofing among others, will record a surge in business,” he said.
Joyce Githiga, also speaking at the same event, held at St. Jude Catholic Church in Athi River, said those opposing the programme, do not want low income earners to become house owners.
“This is a very noble idea and I can’t wait to buy my own house, where I can live with my family without worrying about rent,” noted Githiga.
The Public Participation brought together leaders, members of the clergy, civil servants, business people, Jua Kali artisans and legislators.
Machakos County Commissioner, Josephine Ouko, asked residents to support the programme, saying houses at the prevailing market rates, are pricey and out of reach of many ordinary Kenyans.
“The houses are cheap compared to the current market price; as a civil servant, I fully support the idea. I grew up in Jericho through a similar project by the National Housing Finance and the houses were decent,” said Ouko.
Machakos Town MP, Caleb Mule, also pledged support for the programme, saying Kenyans especially those living in slums, will have an opportunity to live in decent houses with good sanitation.
Mule said the government has a responsibility to ensure its citizens live in good and decent houses.
MP Mugambi assured residents that their views will be incorporated in the Bill.
By Roselyne Kavoo
