Kisii County residents support the Affordable Housing Program, citing its promise of providing decent housing and job opportunities for low-income earners.
Speaking during a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, Peter Ontita from Kisii Central Sub County said the initiative is a noble idea that will create employment for youth and the jua-kali sector as well as promote suppliers of building materials.
Ontita emphasized the need for collaboration among the three arms of the government, tax experts and communities to successfully implement the affordable housing program.
The tax expert must assess the levy percentage and tackle economic issues faced by the mwananchi, while the government implements the program.
Ontita cautioned political leaders against politicizing the housing initiative but instead, encouraged the government to continuously sensitize the public so that they could buy the idea.
Reverend Ezekiah Onchoke from Nyamache Sub County lauded the committee for giving the residents a platform to present their views on the proposed affordable housing program.
He requested the government to allocate more time and trickle the public participation exercise to the sub-county level so that more citizens can acquire knowledge on the provisions of the Affordable Housing Bill 2023.
The cleric said the construction of houses in every constituency would enable the citizens to avail more land for farming and contribute to increased food production in the county.
John Onchoke, representing People with Disabilities (PWDs), advocated for houses to be located near recreational and social amenities like hospitals and schools for comfort.
Onchoke advocated for equal representation in procurement processes, stating that every individual should be involved in the tendering and supply of building materials for the housing program.
Cynthia Mogere, a graduate of Kabianga University, said the initiative will resolve the high unemployment rate among young people, which has resulted in increasing cases of drug abuse and mental illnesses.
The housing program aims to engage graduates and reduce joblessness, thereby reducing the number of young people taking their own lives, she added.
The public hearing was led by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, Kuria Kimani and was attended by 600 participants who gave their views on the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023.
Kimani said they will ensure equity and fairness in the implementation of the program across the country and local residents will be prioritized during the awarding of contracts to ensure the materials are sourced locally for the benefit of that particular county.
Other Members of the parliamentary Committee present included Paul Kibichiy (Chesumei), David Mwalika (Kitui Rural), Makilap Joseph (Baringo North MP), CPA Julius Rutto (Kesses) and Innocent Obiri (Bobasi).
The government is targeting over 6.5 million Kenyans in informal settlements with the Affordable Housing program and plans to construct 250,000 houses every year for low-income earners.
By Mercy Osongo and Illah Moraa
