The National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning, and Public Works has urged the Affordable Housing Board to improve the management and transparency of the Affordable Housing Levy Fund. This comes amid growing concerns over delays in strategic planning and the effective use of taxpayer money.
During a recent meeting chaired by Hon. Johana Ng’eno (Emurua Dikiir), the Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Board’s slow progress in developing its five-year and annual investment plans. Hon. Ng’eno pressed the Board for a timeline, questioning, “How long do you need to accomplish this?”
Board member Cosmas Mutava attributed the delays to recent re-categorization within the institution. However, the Committee was not entirely convinced, emphasizing the urgent need for clarity and efficiency in the Board’s operations.
Hon. Caleb Mule (Machakos Town) raised concerns about the lack of public awareness regarding the acquisition process for affordable housing units. He questioned the assurances given to prospective buyers who are prepared to make deposits, suggesting that the Board’s communication efforts may be falling short.
Further, Hon. Innocent Obiri (Bobasi) sought detailed information on the projects that the Board had initiated and completed, signaling the Committee’s growing impatience with the Board’s pace of work. In response, Hon. Ng’eno emphasized that the Committee would review the Affordable Housing Regulations to prevent discriminatory practices and reassess the necessity of the 10% mandatory deposit requirement for buyers.
Concerns about specific projects were also highlighted, notably by Hon. Jane Kagiri, who pointed to the Githurai market housing project. Despite being reported as 100% complete, the project still lacks basic utilities like water. Hon. Kakai Bissau (Kiminini) advised against overburdening contractors, suggesting that limiting them to a maximum of three projects would be more manageable.
Acting CEO Ms. Sheila Waweru defended the Board’s performance, stressing their commitment to equitable project distribution and ongoing public awareness initiatives. Board Chairperson Mr. Jeremiah Simu acknowledged the Committee’s concerns and pledged to address them, noting that new projects are yet to begin.
