The Kenyan National Assembly approved the Affordable Housing Bill during its session on Wednesday, marking a pivotal step forward in President William Ruto’s endeavor to advance his legacy action plan.
The bill, which underwent thorough deliberation and was subject to amendments, garnered the necessary support from Members of Parliament (MPs) to proceed to the next stage.
Following its passage with amendments by a simple majority, the Affordable Housing Bill is now poised for consideration by the Senate for concurrence.
Notably, certain aspects of the proposed amendments intersect with the jurisdiction of county governments, necessitating further review and discussion at the Senate level.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula, emphasized the significance of the bill’s implications for counties during a session on February 15.
He directed attention to the involvement of both Majority and Minority Leaders in the legislative process, affirming the collaborative effort required to address pertinent issues concerning counties.
This legislative milestone comes after the bill was reintroduced to Parliament for a second round of deliberations, following an initial court ruling deeming it unconstitutional. The reintroduction prompted a rigorous examination by MPs, culminating in its eventual passage.
However, the bill’s journey through Parliament has not been without controversy. During hearings, some members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) staged a walkout, citing dissatisfaction with the handling of proposed amendments.
This dissent spilled over into a press briefing outside Parliament, where ODM MPs criticized the rejection of their proposed changes, alleging procedural irregularities.
President Ruto, advocating for swift action on the bill, emphasized its significance during a tour of the Mt. Kenya region on February 16. He urged MPs to expedite the legislative process, emphasizing the potential benefits for unemployed youths awaiting job opportunities tied to the bill’s implementation.
Echoing the President’s sentiments, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah assured timely implementation of the bill during a meeting with Ruto at a Cabinet Secretaries’ retreat in Naivasha on January 19. He provided updates on the progress of debates within Parliament, expressing optimism about concluding discussions promptly.
Amidst these legislative developments, Kenyans remain keenly interested in the bill’s impact, particularly regarding refunds for deductions made since its implementation until its nullification by the court. The resolution of these issues underscores the broader implications of the Affordable Housing Bill for Kenyan society.
