Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno urges local priority in affordable housing project

Ngeno proposed that at least 70 per cent of the houses be reserved for residents of the local area

by STAR CORRESPONDENT

Rift-valley28 August 2025 - 15:27

In Summary

MP Ngeno proposed that at least 70 per cent of the houses be reserved for residents of the local area where the project is implemented, while the remaining 30 per cent could be allocated to individuals from other regions.
“We are doing these projects in all corners of the country, and to ensure equality and uniformity among all communities, we must ensure that people in that particular locality benefit first,” he said.

Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno has called for the government to prioritise local residents in the allocation of units under the Affordable Housing Programme.

Speaking during an inspection tour of affordable housing projects in Bomet County, Ngeno, who chairs the National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, emphasised the need to safeguard local interests in the national housing agenda.

Ngeno proposed that at least 70 per cent of the houses be reserved for residents of the local area where the project is implemented, while the remaining 30 per cent could be allocated to individuals from other regions.

“We are doing these projects in all corners of the country, and to ensure equality and uniformity among all communities, we must ensure that people in that particular locality benefit first,” he said.

He said the current system under Boma Yangu allows even those in foreign countries to purchase the houses.

“We need to relook at the policy so that locals are not sidelined. The housing programme should reflect inclusivity and fairness,” Ngeno added.

His sentiments were echoed by Chepalungu MP Victor Koech, who stressed that priority must be given to the people who live in areas where the projects are being undertaken.

Koech argued that housing projects funded by public resources must directly benefit the surrounding communities.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who was also part of the inspection team, commended President William Ruto for initiating the housing programme, describing it as a transformative initiative for low-income earners.

“I urge all Kenyans to register and take up the houses. This is a golden opportunity for families who have never had the chance to own decent housing,” she said.

Other members of the committee present during the tour included MPs Joseph Cherorot (Kipkelion East), Joshua Kamilu (Kaiti), Kaikai Bisau (Kiminini), and Caleb Mule (Machakos Town). They expressed support for Ngeno’s call and affirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the housing programme remains people-centered.

Bomet Deputy Governor Shadrack Mutai, who hosted the delegation, welcomed the initiative and pledged the county’s cooperation in supporting the project rollout.

On Wednesday, the committee had visited Suswa market, Ntulele market, and Narok Modern Market in Narok County. Ngeno revealed that the Narok market is 65 percent complete and will benefit over 1,500 traders.

He urged the Narok County Government to expand the market facilities to accommodate more traders. On his part, Narok CEC for Tourism and Trade Johnson Sipitiek lauded the project for creating employment opportunities and boosting local livelihoods.

Ngeno concluded by affirming that the inspection exercise would continue countrywide to ensure prudent use of public resources.