Inclusive approach key to success of affordable housing – State told

Canada-based Kenyan politician Lucy Jeffrey has called for a more inclusive and consultative approach to the government’s affordable housing programme.

She warned that the project risks losing public trust if implemented without broad-based input.

While she supports the idea behind the housing initiative, Jeffrey, who has declared interest in the Westlands Constituency seat in the 2027 general election, insisted that the implementation must reflect the lived realities of ordinary Kenyans.

“I love affordable housing and how beautiful they look,” she said in a statement shared on social media.

 “But I have expressed my concern before about two things: one, Kenyans are getting deducted from their salaries, even those with low incomes; and two, there is no guarantee that those being deducted will be assigned an apartment.”

Jeffrey said the success of the housing programme hinges on fairness, transparency, and intentional inclusion of voices from all income levels, professions, and regions, including Kenyans living abroad.

She shared the experience of a teacher who wrote to her expressing frustration over deductions, despite already having secured a home through a bank loan.

“I’m a teacher with TSC,” the teacher wrote.

 “My net salary is below Sh38,000 after taking a loan to build my house. Then the government decides to tax me for housing. For what? I already have my house. This is unfair.”

As a former teacher herself, Jefffrey said such stories show why blanket deductions are problematic.

She urged President William Ruto’s administration to commission an independent grassroots-level survey to better understand public sentiment and make necessary adjustments to the programme.

“We love the project, but the way it is currently managed leaves many losing faith in it,” she said.

“Please listen to Kenyans.”

To improve equity, Jeffrey proposed several reforms to the current approach.

 She recommended that deductions be focused on wealthier Kenyans rather than low-income earners.

She also pointed to Singapore’s housing model, where the wealthy subsidise homes for the poor, and Canada’s system, where those earning below a set threshold are not taxed for housing.

Additionally, she advocated for structured engagement with the diaspora community, including regular virtual forums where professionals can contribute ideas and share global experience.

She also called for greater diversity in the government’s advisory team and said Kenyan experts abroad could offer technical knowledge to strengthen policy design.

 “This is not about opposing the government,” she clarified.

“It’s about improving a good idea through dialogue, experience, and shared ownership.”

Jeffrey stressed that inclusive governance, both in design and execution, is essential for the sustainability of public programmes, not just housing.

Government has previously stated that contributors will either get housing units or receive refunds at the end of the project.

Even so, Jeffrey believes more must be done to regain public confidence.

“We have immense experience in the diaspora,” she said.

 “We are ready to help. But the process must be inclusive and fair.”