Housing Levy isn't Enough

Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome says Kenyans still need to pay to acquire homes under the government’s affordable housing project even if they have been contributing the housing levy.

President William Ruto introduced the project over what he called a need to meet poor Kenyans’ housing deficit and give youth job opportunities. It has seen salaried Kenyans part with 1.5 per cent of their monthly pay, matched by employers, since 2023.

Wahome said on Wednesday the contributions are towards putting up the houses, not early payment for the homes.

She said interested Kenyans must still get into a rent-to-own payment agreement of up to 30 years to acquire the houses.

“This money is not supposed to give you a house, it is what helps us build the house. After that, it is you who pays for that house,” Wahome said.

We are not building to give them to you, it is for a rent-to-own agreement. Think of it as a tenant purchase scheme.”

She added: “If this is open to everyone who requires decent housing at these low rates, I would not even start the construction. It will be a problem determining who to choose for the housing.”