National assembly commences public hearings on Affordable Housing Bill
One of the team during yesterday's session.
By Our Reporter
Worth Noting:
- While addressing members of the public attending the exercise, Ng’eno assured the public that their views would be taken into consideration by the Committee at the conclusion of 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 achieving 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 2023 Bill, so as to informatively advise the committee on the provisions they want improved.
A Joint-Sitting of the National Assembly yesterday commenced public hearings on the Affordable Housing Bill.
The members who were conducting the exercise in two teams received views from the public in Narok and Embu Counties simultaneously .
The teams which comprises 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 counties. Today’s hearings are scheduled to take place in Kisii and Kirinyaga counties simultaneously.
In Embu, the chairperson of the Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works Committee, Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikirr) led the exercise.
Other nembers present were Mugambi Ridikiri, John Mukunji, Caleb Mutiso, Joshua Kimilu, Daniel Manduku, Jane Kagiri, Ronald Karauri and Pamela Njoki.
The Deputy Governor Embu County, Justus Mugo led the residents in sharing their views on the proposed law.
While addressing members of the public attending the exercise, Ng’eno assured the public that their views would be taken into consideration by the Committee at the conclusion of 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 achieving 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 2023 Bill, so as to informatively advise the committee on the provisions they want improved.
Towards this end, the committee secretariat distributed factsheets on the Bill and a copy of the Bill.
Among the issues raised by the public included the high cost of the required deposit, the fate of those who have contributed towards another related housing program dubbed ‘Boma Yetu’, the identification of the land where the affordable housing project would be undertaken and the framework of allocation to ensure the program majorly benefits the locals all the way 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 implementation of the program.
While assuring the public that their sentiments would count in the making of the law, Kimani told the participants that the committee would look into their suggestion 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”, he undertook.
Accompanying Kuria Kimani were Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Paul Biego (Chesumei), Julius Ruto (Kesses), George Sunkuya (Kajiado West), David Mboni (Kitui Rural) and Narok County MPs, Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West) Agnes Pareyio (Narok North) Rebecca Tonkei (Narok County MP)
The Bill is geared towards creating a comprehensive framework for the affordable Housing Program in line with a court decision on the matter which gave an observation that the House Levy contained in the Finance Act, 2023 was devoid of such a framework.
In particular, the Bill seeks to establish the Affordable Housing Fund to ensure access to affordable housing and fulfill the right to suitable housing as stated in Article 43(1)(b) of the Constitution
The public participation exercise is in line with Article 118 of the Constitution which mandates and obligates Parliament to facilitate public Participation and involvement in its legislative business.
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