President Ruto Signs Affordable Housing Bill Into Law

The Affordable Housing Act establishes a framework for the collection of the housing levy and implementation of the affordable housing programme.

President Ruto said implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme will transform the lives of Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid by creating jobs, providing decent housing and reducing agricultural land fragmentation.

Speaking at State House Nairobi after appending his signature to the Bill, the Head of State commended the National Assembly and Senate for working round the clock to pass the Bill.

“I want to appreciate Parliament and Kenyans for their input in the Bill that I have just signed into law,” said President Ruto.

He pointed out that the housing programme will ensure families across the country live in a dignified manner.

At the same time, President Ruto warned of stern action against anyone who misappropriates public resources. He said government officials have firm instructions to use public funds prudently.

“I want to assure Kenyans that I will do whatever it takes to protect public funds. All government projects, including the housing programme, should be corruption-free,” the President said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the housing programme will provide decent homes to Kenyans.

“The housing project will define President Ruto’s legacy. It’s now time for all of us to support this initiative,” said Mr Gachagua.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi pointed out that the signing of the Bill into law will pave the way for the implementation of the project.

Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome said the project has so far employed 120,000 people, adding that 300,000 people would be working in various construction sites across Kenya by the end of the year.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja praised the project, saying it will eradicate slums across the cities and towns in the country.

The law has established four categories of houses – social housing, affordable housing, affordable middle class housing and rural affordable housing.

A social housing unit refers to a house meant for a person whose monthly income is below KSh20,000.

An affordable housing unit is  targeted at a person whose monthly income is between KSh20,000 and KSh149,000.

The affordable middle class housing unit is meant for people whose monthly income is more than KSh149,000.

Rural affordable housing is a unit as described in Section 42 and targeted at people living outside urban areas.

Other officials at the event were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot and Attorney-General Justin Muturi, among others.