Mwaura: Verdict on levy renewed housing project vigor

Construction of affordable houses has gained renewed momentum after the High Court ruling, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has said.

A three-judge bench on Tuesday ruled that President William Ruto's Housing levy is constitutional.

In the ruling, the judges said the Housing Levy was properly enacted.

Speaking on Friday during a press brief, Mwaura said the Affordable Housing Program is not only providing affordable homes but also creating economic opportunities.

“Following the court ruling affirming the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing has gained renewed momentum, benefitting more Kenyans,” he said.

According to Mwaura, over 160,000 jobs have been generated across the country, with Sh4.4 billion allocated for local artisans and fabricators supplying building materials.

He said the inclusion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the programme is empowering skilled youth and women, providing them with certification and steady employment.

“The Affordable Housing Programme is, indeed, a beacon of economic empowerment for the youth, artisans, and women, uplifting families and communities,” he added.

Mwaura said the Affordable Housing Programme is transforming the lives of Kenyans by enabling access to dignified and affordable homes.

As of Tuesday, the government said there are ongoing constructions at 75 sites in 37 counties.

Mwaura said the houses are at various stages of completion, assuring access to over 124,000 homes at prices affordable to a wide range of income groups.

“Notably, homeownership is now possible for Kenyans contributing as little as Sh3,200 per month, with social, low-cost, and mortgage gap earners all able to participate through the Boma Yangu platform, where over 547,000 Kenyans have registered,” Mwaura added.

The spokesperson said that AHP is designed to bridge Kenya’s housing gap by providing affordable housing units to Kenyans across three key income brackets.

They include social housing with a monthly income up to Sh19,999, low-cost housing with a monthly income between Sh20,000 to Sh49,999 and mortgage gap housing with a monthly income between Sh50,000 to Sh149,999.