Kenyans will soon have the capability to monitor the advancement of affordable housing construction, following the introduction of new reforms according to the government.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, in a statement released after a meeting with Ministry of Lands officials on Tuesday, revealed that the government plans to establish a public portal offering real-time data on the housing projects.
The initiative aims to foster a sense of inclusion among Kenyans, who are actively contributing to the construction efforts. Presently, employed individuals are contributing 1.5% of their salary to the program, with the government extending the deductions to the informal sector.
Ministry of Lands officials, participating in the government performance and delivery roadshow on January 23, 2024, shared that under Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome’s leadership, 30,000 houses are set to be completed by June 2025.
Additionally, Kenyans will be able to track job creation through President William Ruto’s housing agenda. Kuria emphasized that the affordable housing project is not solely about residences but also about job opportunities.
In 2023, 110,000 Kenyans were involved in affordable housing projects, and the government aims to increase this number to 750,000 jobs in 2024.
The government is committing to inject Ksh120 billion into the economy through the program. The statement also pledges the development of a national multi-purpose cadastre and complete digitization for Murang’a and Mombasa land registries.
Digitization of land records will be rolled out in 15 additional counties, as the government endeavors to expand the fully digitized system beyond Nairobi.
Despite facing persistent criticism and opposition, President William Ruto remains optimistic about the success of his housing agenda. In early January, Ruto accused the Judiciary and the opposition of colluding to impede his program in courts, particularly after the suspension of the Housing Levy until January 26.
