Majority of the Narok residents have supported the Affordable Housing Project being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza Administration, as it is going to benefit the low income earners.
The residents who spoke during a public participation forum on Affordable Housing Bill, 2023, said many jobless people would get employment in the construction site and the local contractors will earn a fortune, as they will pocket more money.
Simion Mutai, a contractor supported the Bill, saying it will boost the livelihood of many people and create a permanent home for the less fortunate.
“We cannot oppose such a noble idea that will benefit the idle unemployed young people. We support it fully because we believe our children will earn an income from it,” said Mutai.
His sentiments were echoed by Pastor Abraham Sitienei, who observed that youths who have attained courses in various professions among them masonry, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, welders and painters, will be working at the construction site.
Francis Gitau, lauded the project but called on the implementers to consider the local contractors and local business persons when constructing and purchasing the building materials.
“We want this project to fully benefit our people. The business community should benefit through purchase of building materials locally and the contractors should come from within our county,” said Gitau.
Reuben Mpatiany, who represented Persons with Disability, called on the project implementers to consider persons with disability and ensure they had a smooth access to the premises.
However, a few opposed the project, saying many people had not been invited to the public participation forum.
Gideon Kisio, a youth leader, wondered where the houses would be built and asked the government to purchase land from any willing seller, instead of building the houses on public land.
“Land is an emotive issue in this county, if the government intends to build the houses on the public land, then the community should be fully involved. I advise them to purchase land from a private individual,” said Kisio.
Meitamei Dapash raised concern of inadequate representation in the public participation forum, saying many groups were not aware of the meeting.
He raised concerns that some rich people might use their financial muscles, to get their houses constructed under Affordable Housing Scheme.
“We suggest more public participation forums and barazas to sensitize the members of the public on what we mean by affordable housing,” he said.
The local residents were speaking at the Narok North Youth Empowerment Hall, during the first public participation forum for Narok and Bomet counties.
The forum was organized by a Joint Committee of the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Finance and the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works.
The Committee was led by the Chair of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Housing, Kimani Kuria and sought to hear the views of the public on the Affordable Housing Bill (National Assembly Bill number 75 of 2023).
Kuria said the aim of the Bill was to provide a legal framework for the establishment of the Affordable Housing Fund, access to Affordable Housing and give effect to article 43 (1) B of the Constitution on the right to accessible and adequate housing.
He called on the community, to hold household talks with leaders and lawyers, who will be able to educate them on the Bill and together do a thorough scrutiny of the document.
Other MPs present included Paul Kibichi (Chesumei), Makilap Joseph (Baringo North), CPA Julius Rutto (Kesses), David Mboni (Kitui Rural), George Sunkuiya (Kajiado West), Agnes Pareyio (Narok North), Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) and Rebecca Tonkei (Narok County MP).
By Ann Salaton
