Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has called on Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to substantiate his claims that the government is involved in corrupt practices through the affordable housing program.
Wahome stated that it was strange and regrettable for the former DP to make such claims, yet the procurement process is open.
According to Wahome, the process is conducted by her ministry where due diligence is conducted before one is awarded the contract and the contractor buys their own materials contrary to the claims.
“The procurement is public," the Lands CS stated.
Speaking Monday during the launch of DAP-K headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua stated that he initially believed the project was about job creation.
“I believed the project was about job creation until it came to my attention that it has nothing to do with that,” he claimed.
According to Gachagua, once a new government is sworn in, the housing levy will have to be abolished to restore the payslips’ dignity.
However, CS Wahome stated that this is not a personal project but for all Kenyans and the government’s work in succession.
She said Kenyans will have invested in it and there is no way it can be reversed.
The CS asked Gachagua to stop politicising the Affordable Housing.
Wahome made the remarks when she inspected the ongoing construction of the first 220 affordable housing units in Machakos which are nearing completion.
Over 500 youth are being engaged directly in the construction of the project with over 3,000 indirect jobs being created.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti said once complete, it will go a long way in providing housing solutions to meet the growing demand for homes in the wake of rapid urbanisation.
Wahome also inspected the Mavoko housing project which comprises 5,360 housing units.