The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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MP Kimani Kuria has indicated that the government is contemplating a potential reduction in the deposit levy for the Affordable Housing Project, potentially decreasing it from the current 10 per cent.
Kuria, who chairs the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, highlighted that feedback received during the ongoing public hearings on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 suggested that the monthly levy was deemed excessively high by many.
Assuring that the committee would thoroughly consider the input gathered, Kuria emphasized the importance of adjusting the levy to make housing more accessible to middle and lower-income earners. Speaking in Kinangop, Nyandarua, Kuria affirmed that the committee would integrate the concerns of residents into the bill, aiming to create a framework conducive to broader inclusion.
Kuria expressed anticipation that demand for Affordable Housing Project (AHP) units would surpass supply, underscoring the project’s popularity among prospective homeowners. He assured that individuals who paid deposits but failed to secure housing would receive prompt refunds, with the housing fund ensuring interest payments in cases of delays.
The MP outlined plans for fair allocation of housing units, prioritizing those affected by the project and implementing measures to prevent the wealthy from disproportionately benefiting at the expense of lower-income groups.
Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku commended the initiative, noting its potential to improve living standards and facilitate essential services like electricity and water supply. He emphasized the need to preserve agricultural land amid ongoing subdivision and construction activities, highlighting the importance of balancing development with agricultural sustainability.
