Kenyans seeking to live in the government's affordable housing units might have to pay up to Ksh10,000 per month for bedsitters despite the houses being subsidised. This is after it was revealed that apart from rent, tenants will incur additional monthly costs for utilities such as water, gas, and WiFi.
The Affordable Housing Programme, which has been constantly championed by President William Ruto, who argues that it is an alternative for millions of Kenyans to own houses at affordable prices, has now cast doubt on its affordability.
During a discussion on the affordability of the houses on Wednesday, Johanna Ng’eno and Yusuf Chanzu, key figures in the affordable housing sector, clarified the payment structure, revealing that the government houses are not any different from how Kenyans pay for houses in estates.
The conversation shed light on the true cost of the houses and the flexibility of the payment plans. Ng’eno explained that while the government structured the repayment period to suit various income levels, tenants would still bear the cost of essential utilities separately.
''Bedsitters will cost Ksh3,900 per month; in this amount, Ksh1,200 will go to service charges, just like Kenyans pay in other houses, then Ksh2,700 will go for rent to own. The government is providing the supply of gas, water, and WiFi, but you will have to pay; this is separate from the Ksh3,900," Ng'eno clarified.
''If you want to use gas, you pay, if you want to use water, you pay, and the same for WiFi. WiFi will cost Ksh10 per day," Ng'eno further explained.
With additional expenses on water, WiFi, and gas, the actual monthly cost of living in these affordable houses could rise significantly.
The gas provided by the government will be subsidised, with reports indicating that it would cost between Ksh500 and Ksh1,500, depending on the usage. While this is lower than market rates, it still presents an added financial burden.
WiFi, according to Ng'eno, will cost Ksh10 per day, meaning it would amount to about Ksh300 per month. Although the houses will have water, residents will be paying for it separately.
Although the cost of water has not yet been revealed, it is expected to have a fixed service fee of Ksh3,000 per month, excluding potential extra costs for purchased water, especially in areas prone to shortages. A 20-litre jerrycan retails between Ksh20 and Ksh150, depending on the area.
With these projections, to live in a bedsitter at the government's affordable house, one must part with at least Ksh7,700 (Ksh3,900 rent, Ksh500 for gas, Ksh300 for WiFi, and Ksh3,000 for water) and Ksh10,650, factoring in the utilities.
''If you don't want to use the gas, you can use your jiko, stove, and any other thing; however, it will depend on the conditionality of that particular estate,'' he continued.
According to the programme, Kenyans are expected to pay the monthly rent for a period of 30 years before they can own the house. The period can, however, be shortened depending on how the tenant chooses to pay.
