- I voted yes and I supported this project because I know my people in Manyatta, Obunga and Kondele will benefit from the contract,” he said.
- The affordable housing bill was signed into law on March 19.
Image: FILE
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has explained why he never opposed the affordable housing project Bill when it was brought for debate in the Senate.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Ojienda said that the housing project is a game-changer since the youth will get the opportunity to engage with the contract.
“My party had an affordable housing framework, in the ODM manifesto affordable housing is one of the pillars and Raila Odinga himself supported it. I voted yes and I supported this project because I know my people in Manyatta, Obunga and Kondele will benefit,” he said.
“Our youth and our skilled lower-level carpenters and plumbers will have an opportunity to interact with the real contract.”
He said that the affordable housing project is the only framework that will allow Kenyans to improve some of the old housing estates that are completely rundown.
He added that the bill went through the two houses with a call for public participation despite some Kenyans presenting negative views.
“The bill has gone through the two houses, initially was litigation and the process was pushed back. There was a call for compliance with Articles 118 and 201 of the constitution then public participation and we have different views.”
The former LSK president said the government bears its obligation according to the constitution to enable everyone to pay the 1.5% tax on the housing project.
Senator Ojienda's remarks come after President William Ruto signed the affordable housing bill into law on March 19.
The signing ceremony was held at State Nairobi.
The 1.5 per cent tax from both the employer and the employee will take effect at the end of the month after President William Ruto on Tuesday assented to the Affordable Housing Bill.