The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has raised concerns over the proposed Affordable Housing Regulations adopted by the National Assembly.
In a press statement dated June 3, 2025, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, expressed concerns about the possible misuse of the affordable housing levy.
“The Central Organisation of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU (K), wishes to bring to the attention of H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto our deep concern regarding a looming threat of the misuse of the Affordable Housing Levy,” the press statement read in part.
Atwoli noted that the National Assembly had adopted a set of Affordable Housing Regulations, which are yet to be ratified by the Attorney General.
Affordable housing levy serves other projects
He added that if the regulations are adopted, they will introduce a loophole that could see Members of Parliament channel housing levy funds into projects that fall outside the core mandate of providing decent and affordable housing for Kenyan workers.
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“If adopted, these regulations, which are in the possession of COTU (K), will introduce a loophole that could see Members of Parliament channel housing levy funds into projects that fall outside the core mandate of providing decent and affordable housing for Kenyan workers,” the statement explained.
Atwoli also voiced concern that the affordable housing levy could be used to construct other public facilities like schools umder the nnew regulations.
“Housing levy funds may now, erroneously, be used to construct health facilities, pre-primary education centres, basic education centres, fire stations, police posts, social halls, markets, and open spaces, under the guise of ‘associated social infrastructure’,” part of the statement read.
The COTU SG explained that the umbrella body representing all trade unions supported the programme in good faith, expecting that their members who felt most of the burden would directly benefit.
COTU calls for housing levy regulations redrafting
“It must be noted that COTU (K) supported the Affordable Housing Programme in good faith, with the understanding and expectation that our members, who shoulder the burden of this levy, would benefit directly through access to dignified, decent and affordable house,” the statement read.
“We strongly urge that the process surrounding these regulations be halted immediately, and a fresh, participatory process be initiated.”
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In addition, Atwoli asked MPs to ensure that workers, through COTU(K), are included in redrafting the regulations to safeguard the purpose and the integrity of the Affordable House Levy.
“Workers, through COTU (K), must be included in the redrafting of these regulations to safeguard the purpose and integrity of the Affordable Housing Levy,” he further explained.
“We call upon the President to intervene decisively to protect the rights of workers and ensure that the Affordable Housing Fund is used solely and strictly for its intended purpose,” the statement concluded.
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