The National Assembly of Kenya has commenced public hearings on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023.
The Members conducting the exercise in two teams received views from the public in Narok and Embu Counties simultaneously.
The teams, which comprise lawmakers from the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning and that on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, have lined up public meetings across nineteen (19) counties.
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While addressing members of the public attending the exercise, MP Johana Ng’eno assured the public that the Committee would consider their views after the exercise.
He also pointed out the importance of involving the public in legislative matters; observing it is the only way to ensure good governance and achieve proper legislation.
Leading the team conducting the exercise in Narok County, the Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and National Planning, Kuria Kimani, urged the public to acquaint themselves with the Bill so as to informatively advise the Committee on the provisions they want improved.
The issues raised by the public include the high cost of the required deposit and the fate of those who have contributed towards another related housing program, Boma Yetu.
Other are identifying the land where the affordable housing project would be undertaken and the allocation framework to ensure the program benefits the locals from inception to allocation of houses.
They also called on the government to conduct a comprehensive social-cultural and economic impact assessment to determine the framework for effective program implementation.
While assuring the public that their sentiments would count in making the law, Kimani told the participants that the Committee would suggest that a single allocation be made per Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number (KRA PIN Number).
“We have heard you on the issue of house allocation. As you have expressed, we will look into the Bill to ensure that People with Disabilities are considered in the program and that only one house is allocated per KRA PIN,” said MP Kuria.
Tomorrow’s hearings are scheduled to take place in Kisii and Kirinyaga counties, respectively.
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