Gachagua reflects on public sentiment against Affordable Housing Project

By Robert Mutasi

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua opened up during public engagements, revealing the opposition the Affordable Housing Project faced.

He said his direct interaction with the citizens showed him the people's discontent, especially with the controversial Housing Levy.

"When the president started speaking, I would estimate how long he might take-usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on his mood and the crowd's reception," Gachagua said.

This gave him the opportunity to mingle with the crowd and gauge their sentiments.

These interactions made him witness the disapproval of the public. "People don't want these houses. I don't want to fight with the citizens. You know, the citizens are the ones who hired us to work, and now they don't want this housing thing," he acknowledged in response to growing resistance.

One of the major projects hailed by the administration-the Affordable Housing Project-has lately become the target of much criticism due to the introduction of the Housing Levy.

Viewed as an added financial burden in tough economic times, the levy was highly unpopular with many citizens.

Gachagua recalled an instance when this disapproval became palpable. "It was very unfortunate because that shouldn't happen ordinarily, where people are shouting at the president. It's not right," he said.

He described moments of citizens openly rejecting the project, even as the president was passionately championing it.

Gachagua was not blind to the awkwardness of such situations, which he said he found hard to explain since the administration's priorities were so diametrically opposite to the overwhelming opposition of the public.

"It was very awkward for me, but people have reached there because he was talking about housing so passionately to people who believe it is not right," he admitted.

The former deputy president’s remarks underscore the importance of aligning government projects with public sentiment.

While the Affordable Housing Project aims to address Kenya’s housing deficit, its implementation strategy and financial implications have become contentious points of debate.

Gachagua's introspections betray a disconnection in the administration's imagination and the real lives of the people.