The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-K) has voiced
concern regarding the recently proposed Affordable Housing Regulations, saying
the changes could open the door to the use of workers’ housing contributions
for projects beyond the housing sector.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Tuesday urged
President William Ruto to intervene and pause the implementation of the
proposed regulations, which he said could potentially alter the original purpose
of the Affordable Housing Levy.
“We have noted with concern that the National Assembly has
adopted a set of Affordable Housing Regulations, which, fortunately, are yet to
be ratified by the Attorney General,” said Atwoli.
“If adopted, these regulations may introduce a provision
allowing the use of levy funds for projects that do not directly relate to the
delivery of affordable housing for Kenyan workers.”
COTU stated that the new regulations could expand the use of
the levy to include funding for health facilities, schools, police stations,
social halls, and markets.
While Atwoli acknowledged the value of these amenities, he
emphasised that they were not among the commitments made to workers when the
levy was introduced.
“These are all essential public services,” he said, “but
they do not fall within the scope of what Kenyan workers were told to expect.
Our members contribute to this levy with the understanding that it will be used
to provide them with dignified and affordable housing.”
Atwoli also raised concerns about the regulatory review
process, stating that workers’ representatives had not been consulted.
“At no point were workers, represented by COTU-K, who
constitute the majority of contributors, involved in the drafting of these
regulations,” he said.
“This process did not include meaningful engagement with
those directly funding the programme.”
COTU is now calling for the suspension of the current
regulatory process and the initiation of a new, inclusive consultation that
includes representation from worker unions.
“We urge that the implementation of the current regulations
be put on hold,” said Atwoli.
“A new and participatory process should be initiated, with
worker representation through COTU-K, to ensure that the core purpose and
transparency of the Affordable Housing Levy are protected.”
While reaffirming COTU’s support for the broader Affordable
Housing Programme, Atwoli maintained that contributions from workers should be
used solely for the intended purpose.
“We support the Affordable Housing Programme, but we must
ensure that our members’ contributions are used strictly for delivering
housing, as originally promised,” he stated.
