The state may reduce affordable housing deposit levy – MP Kimani Kuria
Molo MP Kimani Kuria suggests that the government should contemplate reducing the deposit requirement for the Affordable Housing Project from the existing 10 percent to make it more accessible to a broader range of middle and lower-income individuals.
The chairperson of the Finance and National Planning Departmental Committee stated that a majority of individuals expressing their views in the current public hearings on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 were concerned about the perceived exorbitance of the monthly levy.
He assured that following the compilation of perspectives, the committee would determine the most suitable proportion of the overall housing unit expenses that would benefit individuals with lower incomes, aiming to promote inclusivity.
Addressing the people in Kinangop, Nyandarua, Kuria, who serves as the Molo MP, guaranteed the residents that their perspectives would be integrated into the Bill by the committee.
The Bill’s objective is to create a framework for the project.
Kuria mentioned that there’s a strong probability of AHP houses experiencing high demand as numerous individuals are keen on acquiring them.
“It looks like there will be more people willing to take up the houses than the available units that the government is planning to build,” he said.
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The Member of Parliament stated that individuals who pay but are unable to secure homes will receive a prompt refund of their money.
“In case of a delay in the refunding the money, the housing fund will ensure that people will be paid with interest,” he said.
He assured that specific criteria would be in place to guarantee equitable allocation of the housing units, with a focus on prioritizing individuals who might have been impacted by the project.
He mentioned that the criteria were designed to guarantee that the affluent gain advantages from the housing initiative, potentially disadvantaging those with middle and low incomes.
Kinangop Member of Parliament, Kwenya Thuku, commended the initiative, expressing approval for the project by stating that it will provide improved housing, facilitating the provision of additional essential services like electricity and water supply.
He observed a decline in agricultural land resulting from subdivision and construction activities, emphasizing the importance of preserving the remaining land exclusively for farming and livestock purposes.
The state may reduce affordable housing deposit levy – MP Kimani Kuria