MPs to begin debates on the new housing levy fund Bill as the House resumes session on Tuesday
Parliament is tomorrow, February 13, set to begin debate on the Housing Levy Fund Bill paving way for the introduction of a new law to anchor the affordable housing project.
National Assembly Finance Committee chairman Kimani Kuria said the introduction of the Bill to the floor of the House follows the conclusion of public participation exercise that begun last year.
The debate on the Bill is also set to align the affordable housing project to the High Court ruling issued last year which declared it unlawful.
“We are ready to commence debate on the Bill once the House resumes sessions on Tuesday this week,” Kuria said on Sunday, February 11.
“The Affordable Housing Bill 2023, will provide a legal framework for the establishment of the Affordable Housing Fund, access to affordable housing and to give effect to Article 43(1)(b) of the Constitution on the right to accessible and adequate housing.”
Kuria was speaking even as the National Assembly Housing Committee chairman Johanna Ng’eno last week told a battery of journalist that the new Bill will be prioritised when the house resumes session on Tuesday.
Speaking after a meeting with the National Lands Commission, Ng’eno said that the Bill will be on the President’s table for assent before end month.
“We might not have control over the house business committee, but we know that they will also consider this bill as a priority and next week, when parliament resumes, we will debate the bill and make necessary amendments,” Ng’eno said.
The two MPs spoke after both committees concluded the joint public participation on the new Bill, with the final report expected to be presented to President William Ruto and Parliament for discussion and implementation.
“The report should also be ready when Parliament resumes session on February 13 after the long recess,” Ngeno said.
The introduction of the Bill follows concerns from a section of Kenyans over the implementation of the housing project, leading to its nullification by the High Court last year.
Some of the issues raised included the discriminatory nature of the levy, which currently targets only those in formal employment and high deductions.
Some Kenyans also raised concerns with land ownership given that the houses are constructed on public land, while the same is not paid for by the beneficiaries.
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