MPs Approve Landmark Affordable Housing Bill

The Kenyan National Assembly has approved the Affordable Housing Bill, a pivotal step in addressing the nation's housing crisis.

However, the bill's journey is not over. On February 21st, legislators passed the amended bill with a simple majority vote, but it now faces scrutiny by the Senate due to revisions impacting county governments. This follows a previous court decision deeming the initial bill unconstitutional, prompting its reintroduction and subsequent revisions. While the Wednesday amended bill secured passage, it wasn't without dissent.

Members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) expressed their disapproval by walking out of the hearing, dissatisfied with the rejection of their proposed amendments. They further criticized the process, claiming none of their suggestions were incorporated. President William Ruto on February 16 during a visit in Mt Kenya region urged parliamentarians to swiftly pass the bill despite the opposition.

Citing job creation opportunities for young Kenyans, Ruto emphasized the urgency of completing the process, even suggesting a deadline of February 20th. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Wamuchomba had a confrontation on Wednesday while discussing changes to the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023. The bill, which began debate last Thursday, reached its final reading on Wednesday afternoon. Wamuchomba suggested removing clause 9(a) to eliminate the proposed 1.5 per cent housing levy.

“I move that clause 9 be amended by deleting paragraph (a) with the justification that the affordable housing levy is punitive to Kenyans who are faced with the high cost of living and their lives are difficult as we speak,” she said.

Temporary speaker Martha Wangari intervened after proponents of the Bill, led by the Majority Leader protested against her sentiments.