Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sharply criticized politicians opposing the use of the housing levy to fund supportive infrastructure around affordable housing units.
Speaking during a church service in Makadara on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Sakaja expressed full support for President William Ruto’s affordable housing programme, particularly the allocation of levy funds for building markets, schools, hospitals, and other essential amenities.
“I’ve heard some people oppose the use of the housing levy for building amenities within affordable housing projects. That’s unreasonable and selfish,” Sakaja said.
The governor condemned wealthy individuals and leaders who live lavish lifestyles but stand against initiatives designed to uplift ordinary Kenyans.
“We are not building houses for the rich, so don’t stand in the way when a normal Kenyan is being helped. You have multi-million homes,” he added.
Sakaja hailed the government’s vision, calling the integration of social infrastructure in the housing plan a “dream come true” for millions of Kenyans.
“If you go to Mukuru, Kibra, and Lang’ata, houses are being built by the thousands. Affordable housing isn’t just about shelter—it’s about building entire communities with essential amenities,” he said.
“We are not creating vertical slums. We’re building dignified homes complete with hospitals, schools, markets, and fire stations.”
The governor dismissed critics as out of touch with the challenges ordinary Kenyans face.
“How can you fight such a programme, yet you live in homes with over ten toilets and a gazebo? That’s pure hypocrisy,” he remarked.
Opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have publicly opposed the use of housing levy funds for social amenities.
Meanwhile, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has distanced itself from government claims about its involvement in drafting regulations for the affordable housing programme.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga had accused COTU of misleading the public and insisted the union took part in the legislative process, which includes provisions for levy use.
However, in a statement released Saturday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli denied any such participation.
“As COTU (K), we have never been consulted, formally or informally, on the development, review, or approval of the current affordable housing regulations,” Atwoli said.
He challenged the government to provide evidence proving the union’s involvement, adding that the executive board had never met to deliberate or support the regulations.
