President William Ruto has revealed that a contractor interfered with the government’s affordable housing project.
Speaking during a church service at Kilgoris DEB Primary School, Narok County, the president said that although land had been set aside for the project it did not take off.
He explained that the land, located in Kilgoris, was meant to host 500 affordable housing units to benefit the residents. However, the head of state noted that the contractor tasked with the job was lazy and too talkative.
Ruto said that the contractor said too much without actually doing the job he had been invited to do. Therefore, the position had to be readvertised, delaying the construction of the affordable housing units.
“You have told me that there is land here for the affordable housing project. I am very ready for that. We had already advertised but we later learnt that the contractor was lazy.
“We rejected his work. He was a man who spoke too much but did no work. We have had to readvertise for that job. We want to build 500 houses first in this town,” said Ruto.
At the same time, the head of state encouraged the residents to remain expectant noting that the program will enable even low-income earners to own homes.
“And out of those 500 houses, I want bodaboda riders and ‘mama mboga’ to get ready. There will be houses here worth Ksh3,000. You pay that amount and after 10 to 15 years it becomes yours. We will have houses worth Ksh5,000, Ksh7,000 and Ksh10,000,” he said.
Also Read: Explainer: How Ksh42 Billion Housing Levy Has Been Used in Affordable Housing Programme
Ruto on Broad Based Government
At the same time, Ruto reiterated the need for a broad-based government, adding that it was the key to economic progress in the country.
Moreover, he said that the formation of a broad-based Government has created a striking collaboration that will help unlock the country’s potential.
According to Ruto, there are no longer two sides of the political divide ensuring that the government focused on its development agenda.
“We now have one side: that of the people of Kenya. Let us put to optimal use the resources and expertise that we have to uplift Kenyans.”
Also Read: Govt Declares Eligibility for Kenyans to Enjoy Affordable Houses
Eligibility for Purchasing Affordable Houses
Under the 2024 Affordable Housing Regulations Draft, rules, individuals looking to buy homes through mortgage financing will need to provide proof of income.
This requirement aims to ensure that applicants have the financial capability to meet the loan conditions and secure the housing units they are interested in.
However, this could pose a challenge for self-employed Kenyans, often referred to as ‘hustlers,’ who don’t have traditional pay slips as evidence of income.
According to the 2024 Affordable Housing Regulations draft, “An application for allocation of an affordable housing unit must include the following: a deposit of 10 percent of the purchase price, proof of identification, a list of beneficiaries to the applicant, proof of income and ability to pay for the loan, and a passport-sized photo of the applicant.”
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