MPs' Votes to Decide Fate of Controversial Housing Bill
President William Ruto's Housing Bill is currently being voted on by MPs.
Kenyan lawmakers on Tuesday wrapped up their debate on the Affordable Housing Bill 2024, however, a final vote remains on hold. The debate kicked off last Thursday, but insufficient attendance forced a delay until Tuesday. Despite passionate discussions and opposition from some MPs, the Second Reading debate concluded Tuesday afternoon, paving the way for a vote.
National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula called for a final vote on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023. Meanwhile, the government has proposed amendments to the bill. Scheduled for Wednesday, these changes may include removing the 10% deposit requirement for house seekers. President Ruto has publicly appealed to MPs to support the bill, highlighting the needs of unemployed Kenyans who eagerly await its implementation. He further emphasizes the urgency of addressing concerns raised by the court.
"Mimi naambia hawa wabunge, ile sheria iko bunge ambayo ni ya Housing, ile koti ilisema tupitishe. Tunataka by Tuesday iwe imekamilika vijana ni wengi wanataka kufanya kazi. Wabunge wapitishe sheria asubuhi na mapema na wawache maswali mingi," Ruto said on Friday.
Despite the legal hurdles faced by President Ruto's affordable housing program, Majority Leader Ichung'wah assures him of the smooth passage of the revised bill in Parliament. Ichung'wah, leveraging Kenya Kwanza's numerical advantage, promised on Monday a decisive vote by Tuesday afternoon, following last week's inconclusive debate. This signals renewed hope for the initiative.
President William Ruto yesterday reprimanded retired President Uhuru Kenyatta over the implementation of his pet project the Affordable Housing Programme. Ruto believes leaders from the previous regime are starting to realize the program's potential. Furthermore, Ruto draws inspiration from successful housing initiatives in developed nations, presenting his program as a proven means to uplift Kenyan lives.