The Senate Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity has recommended that the National Housing Corporation (NHC) take the lead in implementing the affordable housing project instead of private developers.
During a session with the corporation, the committee raised concerns that private developers awarded contracts were selling the houses at nearly double the market price despite receiving tax incentives from the government. This, the senators argued, undermines the project’s goal of providing affordable housing to Kenyans.
The committee emphasized that shifting the implementation to NHC would enhance transparency, reduce costs, and ensure that more Kenyans can access housing at fair prices.
Additionally, the NHC revealed that KSh 22 billion, which was supposed to be appropriated from the housing levy, has yet to be disbursed. The delay has affected the progress of the affordable housing agenda, which is a key pillar of the government’s economic plan.
The Senate committee urged the government to streamline funding and oversight to ensure that the affordable housing program meets its intended objectives. The recommendations are expected to spark further debate on the role of private developers in national housing projects.
