- The bill is sponsored by Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah
- It seeks to provide a legal framework for the establishment Affordable Housing Fund and give effect to the right to accessible and adequate housing as provided for in the Constitution.
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The public hearings on the affordable housing bill will conclude today with meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa counties.
National Assembly's joint committee on Finance and National Planning and that of Housing and Urban Planning has been receiving views from Kenyans and other stakeholders since January 17 in 19 selected counties.
The bill sponsored by Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah seeks to provide a legal framework for the establishment Affordable Housing Fund and give effect to the right to accessible and adequate housing as provided for in the Constitution.
During Monday's meeting at the county hall in Nairobi, concerns were raised regarding public land compensation.
Advocate Vincent Ombaka, representing the Law Society of Kenya emphasized the need for compensation to communities based on the commercial value of the public land where the housing program would be implemented, in accordance with constitutional articles.
Ombaka urged the committee to address constitutional aspects, questioning how compensation would work for the commercial use of public land.
He stressed the importance of creating provisions in the bill for fair compensation to communities.
Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal Churches led by Rose Mullyungi suggested seeking alternative land rather than demolishing existing housing for the program, while former legislator Sonia Birdi proposed allowing willing private landowners to contribute to the program.
WestMinister Consulting called for inclusivity in the bill, highlighting issues faced by Muslims due to interest in loans.
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They proposed amendments to ensure Housing Levy funds are solely used for the program, preventing diversions for other purposes.
Architects Alliance of Kenya on its part recommended representation in the Affordable Housing Fund Board, advocating for professionals in the built environment.
They proposed County Housing Boards for tailored county policies and emphasized the importance of green spaces and mental health considerations in housing designs.
Representatives from informal settlements supported the bill for its potential to enhance living standards but called for affirmative action for people with disabilities and very low-income earners who might struggle with proposed deposits for housing units.
The public participation report is expected to be presented in Parliament post-recess, raising hopes for a comprehensive and inclusive affordable housing policy in Kenya.
Finance Committee chair Kuria Kimani assured the stakeholders that the committee would review their input in view to enacting progressive law.
"We want to thank you for your input. Very good suggestions have been made today. Indeed, this underscores the need for public participation. We shall carefully study all these submissions and see how they can enrich the Bill," he said.
MPs conducted hearings in Narok, Embu, Kisii, Kirinyaga, Homabay, Kiambu, Vihiga, Machakos, Uasin Gishu and Turkana.
Others are Baringo, Nairobi, Wajir, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Tana River, Kilifi, Nairobi and Mombasa counties.
Housing committee chair Johana Ngeno said they will expedite the process to ensure the law on the housing tax is in place.
"Within two weeks we will have passed it into law," Ngeno said in Tana River.