Hundreds of Uasin Gishu residents turned up at the County’s Town Hall; in a well-attended Public Participation forum to give their views on the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, which was presented by the joint parliamentary Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Finance and Planning.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim leading the residence in giving his views, said that the President’s intention to see Kenya rise and be counted among the world’s top economies was first by ensuring that its citizens got homes that are decent and affordable. This marked a show of good plans for his people and a clear demonstration of confidence in his leadership as the president.
“This is a dream come true, that so many Kenyans are witnessing for the first time in history a president is giving everyone a chance to own a home within their cities; a chance that has been well received in Uasin Gishu. This has not only created major employment opportunities for our youth but also has given a chance for our young graduates from TVETS to afford a livelihood within the city as they are well enumerated at the sites of work,” noted Dr Bii.
Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot said that the Affordable Housing project is currently being implemented at Kidiwa and Pioneer and will soon be launched at Saroyot.
Support the Affordable Housing Plan
“We plan to get Eldoret city to grow vertically so that we protect the agricultural land and remain the Country’s food basket. We support the President’s vision fully as a County, ” said Eng. Barorot.
The Chair parliamentary Committee Kimani Kuria, led other elected leaders in the discussions.
The County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Janeth Kosgei, reiterated that the Governor’s call on the importance of the Affordable Housing programme to future generations was of essence and hence the Department of Housing was well prepared for the tasks assigned under the programme.
“We support the programme and ask that the National Government ensure that a percentage of the units be allocated to the County Government so that it earns its revenue from the units,” noted Dr. Kosgey.
Representatives from the 6 sub-counties, business community, chamber of commerce, religiosity leaders, civil society groups, PWDS, Transporters, universities and technical groups presented their views with the majority giving 100% support to the Affordable Housing program to be rolled out in Uasin Gishu.
