Kiambu Residents Approve Housing Programme

Thika,

Sunday, January 21, 2024

KNA by Muoki Charles

A section of Kiambu residents want clear guidelines put in place to establish those who will benefit from the houses being constructed under the affordable housing programme. 

While approving the project during a public participation forum in Ruiru, they said it was not clear on how the low and medium income earners will get the houses.

During a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Housing Committee, they said measures should be put in place to ensure they get the houses.

Led by Mary Nyanguthie and Severio Githinji feared that only those who can afford the over Sh500, 000 deposit and the over 3.5million in instalments will be able to get the houses, an amount that they cannot afford.

They cast fears that the houses may be sold to people with deep pockets or well-connected individuals, leaving out those who deserve.

Majority of the speakers at the same time welcomed the initiative saying it would be beneficial to the country.

“We want assurances from the government that I will own a house despite not being able to afford to raise the millions of shillings that we hear. We also hear that the wealthy are scrambling for the houses and we fear they may hijack the project,” said Mary Nyanguthie, one of the residents.

The forum was attended by the Committee Chairman Johana Ng'eno who is the MP for Emurua Dikirr, the host, Ruiru MP Simon King'ara , Juja MP George Koimburi and their Sirisia counterpart John Walukhe among others.

King'ara while supporting the project said Ruiru which is rated as the country's most populous constituency is set to reap big in terms of employment opportunities created by the housing project and anticipated business growth.

“The project will address the housing problem in Ruiru. Artisans too are getting employment opportunities through the programme. This is being replicated in all the constituencies and should be supported, “said King’ara.

Koimburi said he fully supports the housing project, but suggested that it should go side by side with construction of more classrooms particularly in densely populated areas.

Ng'eno allayed the residents' fears and assured them that his committee will make follow-ups to make sure due diligence is done in allocation of the AHS units.

The forum was attended by representatives of various interest groups from Ruiru, Juja and Thika sub counties.

Courtesy; KNA