Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has revealed that the money Kenyans contribute to the housing levy will not enable them to have houses in the Affordable Housing Program.
According to CS Wahome, the contributions are towards putting up the houses, not early payment for the homes.
CS Wahome discloses the money Kenyans contribute to the housing levy will not enable them to have houses. Photo: Courtesy.
Wahome also noted that interested Kenyans must still get into a rent-to-own payment agreement of up to 30 years to acquire the houses.
“This money is not supposed to give you a house, it is what helps us build the house. After that, it is you who pays for that house. We are not building to give them to you, it is for a rent-to-own agreement. Think of it as a tenant purchase scheme.”
She moreover maintained that the government is not making money from the affordable housing project.
Wahome further explained that the government is only subsidizing the sector to enable Kenyans to access decent houses.
The Housing levy was introduced by the Affordable Housing Act 2024 at the rate of 1.5% on the gross salary of an employee with a matching contribution from the employer.
President Ruto introduced the project over what he called a need to meet poor Kenyans’ housing deficit and give youth job opportunities.
