Housing Principal Secretary (PS) Charles Hinga on Tuesday, March 19, revealed that the government would prioritise Kenyans classified as among the first to apply and select houses under the Affordable Housing Program.
During a forum at State House shortly after President William Ruto signed the Affordable Housing bill into law, Hinga revealed that this policy decision was reached at to circumvent the deposit problem that many stakeholders had raised in the public participation stage.
Previously, Kenyans were required to pay ten per cent of the unit value to secure a house. However, this provision was amended by both Houses based on the feedback collected.
In the new law, every situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis to assess the amount Kenyans can pay. The program will also prioritise youth, women and people with disabilities.
Hinga noted that the government would now grant the houses on a 'first come first serve' basis whereby those who applied through the Boma Yangu portal and selected the houses they preferred would be prioritised. The interested applicants are, however, required to save Ksh200 through the account before the account is activated.
"What I didn't update you on Mr President is that part of this lawmaking is public participation which is not an exercise of ticking the box. One of the things my committee went through was the issue of deposit. Many Kenyans stated that they liked the program but didn't prefer the deposit," Hinga noted.
"So both Houses agreed with them and there is no more deposit. Now, the government issues based on first come first serve, hence you are required to apply, spend Ksh200 and choose where you want to live. If you save every month, the amount required to pay will eventually be lowered."
The Housing PS also elaborated on how the program will be efficient in upgrading slums across the country.
"For instance, in Mukuru kwa Njenga, we want to construct 15,000 units on a 55-acre plot. We will move people systematically by relocating them to new houses and redeveloping the slums. This is how we will uplift the standards of such areas," Hinga noted.
Ruto praised the new provisions under the Affordable Housing Act.
To apply, Kenyans are directed to create an account through *832# USSD and pay Ksh200 through the account number BOMA, followed by their ID number.
The payment will be made through Paybill 222222.
To see a complete review of the amendments to the Affordable Housing program and how they will affect your salary, click the link: List of Amendments Parliament Made to Affordable Housing Program
