Africa-Press – Kenya. Machakos County residents have supported government’s affordable housing programme stating that it will improve their living standards.
The tens of locals from Mavoko, Mwala, Machakos Town, Yatta, Masinga, Matungulu, Kangundo and Kathiani constituencies gave the government the greenlight to tax them the controversial housing levy.
They said it was the only way the government can raise funds for the affordable housing project for the public’s best interests.
The residents who included professionals, local leaders, business community, clergy, youth, women, people living with disabilities and the elderly spoke during a public participation on housing levy held at St Jude Catholic church hall in Mavoko, Machakos County on Saturday.
The meeting was conducted by the Parliamentary Housing Committee chaired by Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi with Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule as one of the members.
Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, Athi River deputy county commissioner Patrick Mwangi, chiefs and other government officials also attended the event.
Mugambi said the meeting was intended to collect views from the Machakos residents on the housing levy bill.
“We are here constitutionally for a public participation so as to get your views on the bill that has been brought to Parliament. We are in the second process, public participation,” Mugambi said.
The residents were taken through the bill before they gave their contributions on the same.
Interestingly, there was no single descending voice as all supported it hailing praises at President William Ruto over the affordable housing programme.
Those who spoke expressed optimism that the affordable housing programme if effectively effected would improve the common mwananchi’s living standards.
They condemned those opposing the housing levy arguing that they were rich people with majority in authority hence they don’t feel the pinch of living in towns, cities and urban setups while paying rent.
Slum dwellers said owning own houses was a mirage to them due to the fact that they had either low incomes or none at all.
“I got to Slota slum within Athi River Township at an age of 22 and now I’m 53 years old. I have given birth there and my children have sired their own children there too,” Mercy Ndula said.
“I wonder those opposing the housing levy. As slum dwellers, living in permanent houses has always become our dreams, with no hope though. We are seeing light hence pray that the affordable housing project goes through so as to benefit,” Ndula said.
Titus Kibicho, a Jua kali artisan, said affordable housing had empowered many Kenyans through creation of job opportunities.
“We in the Jua kali sector support the levy. I have people working in my company as artisans with others supplying construction materials like cement, stones, timber and sand. People should be allowed to pay tax,” Kibicho said.
Joseph Kasingo, a member of Konza Jua kali Association, said they were involved in the construction of affordable houses in Mavoko constituency.
“We are beneficiaries of the project. Initially, housing projects used to be with briefcase contractors. But, after we formed the cluster association, we have been engaged in constructing the affordable houses by contractors,” Kasingo said.
“I’m in full support of housing levy. I have together with my family lived in rental houses for long. But, with my little savings, I’m hopeful of owning a house courtesy of the government’s affordable housing programme,” Kasingo said.
County commissioner Ouko said she supports the initiative as a Kenyan citizen.
“I’m here to give my views as a Kenyan. I’m happy of this programme because I will also buy an affordable house,” Ouko said.
She said she was born and raised at Ofafa Jericho in Nairobi, an estate constructed by National Housing Finance then.
Ouko said when the government’s housing project ended, lots of slums mushroomed.
“I’m talking as a civilian because I know the meaning and importance of affordable housing. We lived well under descent houses and sanitation when I was growing up. But now, our children have gone to slums like Dandora, Kibera, Mathare and City carton,” Ouko said.
Machakos Town MP Mule assured the residents that their views will be considered by the committee in the report they will work on and table in Parliament.
“As a Machakos resident, I also have my views. The country is headed in the right direction on matters housing. I support the bill,” Mule said.
The MP said it was the government’s obligation to provide its citizens with decent and affordable houses that have good sanitation.
He said President Ruto has good intentions of making sure Kenyans get good housing.
“How will someone living in city slum in a house built and roofed using polyethene or cartons get Sh700,000 to own a house? With good, affordable housing programme, country’s economy can equally improve,” Mule said.
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