The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has responded to claims that the organization was involved in formulating the Housing Levy regulations.
In a statement on June 7, 2025, COTU stated that it had never been consulted, either formally or informally, in the development, review, or approval of the current Affordable Housing Regulations.
“The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU K), takes great exception to the recent statements made by the Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Charles Hinga, alleging that COTU (K) was part of the team that drafted the controversial Affordable Housing Regulations that now threaten to divert billions in workers’ contributions toward other infrastructure,” read part of the statement.
Further, the COTU boss challenged Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, to produce any written resolutions, minutes, or official correspondence from COTU (K)’s Executive Board endorsing the drafting or content of the current regulations.
Francis Atwoli Denies COTU Involvement in Housing Levy Rules
“In fact, at no point did the Executive Board of COTU (K), which is the legally mandated organ responsible for such organizational decisions, sit to deliberate or resolve to support the said regulations,” read the statement.
Atwoli added that COTU never received any communication from the Affordable Housing Board or from PS Hinga inviting COTU (K) to give their views on the regulations.
Further, the organization clarified that the claim made by PS Hinga regarding Ernest Nadome, the union’s representative on the Affordable Housing Fund Board, being involved in drafting the regulations is entirely misplaced.
“This misinterpretation arises considering that Nadome’s role is clearly defined within the governance structure of the Fund and does not extend to making independent policy decisions on behalf of COTU (K),” read the statement.
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PS Charles Hinga Called Out
Atwoli also dismissed claims that its representation on the Affordable Housing Fund Board equates to institutional endorsement of the Housing Levy regulations.
The organization stated that it is both misleading and dishonest to suggest that one individual’s presence on the board reflects COTU (K)’s official position.
According to COTU (K), Ernest affirmed that the union was not consulted in the approval process and supported COTU (K)’s recent statement cautioning against the potential misuse of the levy.
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COTU Takes a Stand
The union reiterated that had there been any consultation, it would have opposed the use of workers’ contributions to fund amenities and infrastructure already catered for in the national budget.
Moreover, it warned that without clear safeguards, the levy risks being diverted to unrelated mega projects, such as roads and dams, while workers remain without decent housing.
The Union has urged President William Ruto to intervene and ensure that the Affordable Housing Levy is strictly used to provide decent, dignified, and affordable housing for Kenyan workers.
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