National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi is arguably the biggest opposer of the Affordable Housing project but even then, he suggests the policy around it could be a good idea.
Speaking during a heated parliament debate on Friday, February 15, 2024, Wandayi argued that the Kenya Kwanza government's approach and implementation of the policy is however ineffective by almost any objective measure.
"Affordable Housing policy could be a good idea, but we seem to be in a hurry to have it being implemented. And you have heard the sentiments being expressed out there by those in Executive ati ‘hii tutafanya mpende msipende.’ That language is very dangerous, especially on a matter affecting Kenyan people's pockets," he said as he opposed the bill.
The lawmaker further pointed out that the bill does not guarantee houses to Kenyans who will contribute to the Housing Levy.
Quoting paragraph four of the Bill that expounds on the eligibility criteria and application procedure for affordable housing units, Wandayi said the requirement that one must provide proof of requisite deposit approved by a relevant agency of at least 10% of the value of the unit shows the project neither serves the public interest nor address the issue of housing.
"Who in Kenya is going to afford the 10 per cent of the value of the affordable housing unit? What we are doing is creating an opportunity for people who already have properties like you and me," Opiyo Wandayi noted.
In January, the government informed Kenyans that they could own one of the government's affordable housing units for Ksh3,150,000 or Ksh4,250,000.
This is the price tag for the sale of President William Ruto's houses in Bondeni Nakuru County as indicated in an advertisement by the Ministry of Lands and Housing dated January 9, 2024.
"Your applications should be channelled through www.bomayangu.go.ke," part of the advertisement stated.
The ministry stated that for Ksh3.13M one can acquire a two-bedroom unit with a total area of 64 square metres while Ksh4.15 is the amount for 3-bedroom units measuring 85 square metres.
