DP Gachagua rallies Embu locals to support Housing Fund

By Robert Mutasi

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked locals in Embu County to support a proposal by the government to introduce Housing Fund.

The DP says the program will not only benefit them but also other Kenyans across the country. 

Speaking in the county on Friday during the launch of the Affordable Housing program, Gachagua said the initiative, which is Kenya Kwanza's flagship programme will help address issues of slums urban areas in the country are currently facing.

He further said the program will create job opportunities for, Kenyans, especially youths.

"Your Excellency, affordable housing as you rightly said is to create employment for millions of our people," the DP said in an event that was attended by President William Ruto.

Gachagua also condemned leaders allied to the Azimio coalition who have opposed the housing program and challenged them to come out with alternative solutions to the issues of slums.

According to the DP, Kenyans will be given an opportunity to present their views on the housing Fund proposal and solutions to challenges facing the country currently.

"These detractors, what is their plan for getting our young people employment? They can't just criticize without giving alternative employment," he said.

Furthermore, Gachagua has urged President Ruto to focus on the program and ignore those opposing it.

He also claimed that Affordable Housing was part of the Jubilee regime and the current opposition was part of it, accusing them of sabotaging it.

The Housing Fund proposal has received objections from Kenyans and politicians allied with the opposition.

The Fund has proposed a 3 per cent deduction on all salaried Kenyans' salaries every month.

Ruto insists the plan is for the benefit of Kenyans.

“Many people have questioned me why I am bothering them with all of this; some are asking me whether they asked me for a house and why I want to deduct their money. This country belongs to all of us,” he stated during an interdenominational prayer service in Isiolo Boys on May 21.

The goal of the Kenya Kwanza government is to construct 250,000 houses every year for low income-earners.