By Peter Ochieng
The Affordable Housing Bill, 2023 will not be signed into law today as earlier planned.
Over the weekend while speaking in Bomet County, President William Ruto told Kenyans that he would ascent to the Bill on Monday at State House, Nairobi.
“On Monday I will sign the bill because we are in agreement with the court on issues on housing. We want to make sure that we do that which is going to change our country,” stated the Head of State on Saturday.
Last evening, State House Press Secretary Emmanuel Talam sent out an invite to media, urging journalists to attend and cover the event which was expected to start at 8:00 am today.
However, State House on Monday morning announced postponement of the event, which was expected to be attended by among others, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Attorney General Justin Bedan Muturi.
It is not clear when President Ruto will ascent to the Bill, but reports indicate that it has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 19th March, 2024.
The National Assembly passed the Bill with amendments in February, before the Senate followed suit over a week ago.
Nairobi Review initially reported that the Bill establishes the Affordable Housing Fund, which will be financed through a 1.5 percent housing levy on gross salaries.
This levy, previously challenged in court, has been reintroduced through the amendments to address concerns.
Clause 2 of the Bill introduces “institutional housing” for public institutions like universities, hospitals, and security forces expanding the scope of the program beyond individual homes.
In addition, the Bill provides for the management of the Affordable Housing Fund specifically the payment out of the Fund.
The payments shall include 30 percent to the National Housing Corporation; 30 percent to slum upgrading, maintenance, rehabilitation and off-take of affordable housing programs, and 36 percent to the State Department responsible for matters relating to affordable housing in respect of institutional housing programs and projects approved by Cabinet.
Local business owners in the construction industry are set to benefit as the amended Bill contains provisions that encourage the use of local materials and labour, and provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience in projects.