DP Gachagua promises graduates jobs in affordable housing projects
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised that graduates will get jobs in the affordable housing projects which will be undertaken by the government.
Speaking to Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) graduates, Gachagua however said that he could not promise that there are jobs for graduates.
"I am an honest man. I do not want to sit here and lie to you that we have jobs for you. These jobs we are going to create together with you. This is a university of science and technology. Our members of the National Assembly (worked) very aggressively for two nights and passed the Finance Bill- to create the Housing Fund to construct 200,000 houses every year. Among those 200,000 houses, from this university, there will be architects, quantity surveyors, building engineers, clerks of works, electricians, plumbers and you'll have an opportunity to earn a living," Gachagua said.
Affordable housing agenda
On Wednesday, MPs passed the Finance Bill 2023, which carries the Housing Levy requiring every employed Kenyan to contribute 1.5 per cent of their salary towards the Housing Fund.
Initially, the Housing Levy was set at 3 per cent for every employee matched by a similar amount from the employer before amendments were made after a public outcry.
MPs also adopted an amendment that requires that the levy be ringfenced to affordable housing activities alone.
184 MPs voted in favour of the levy while 72 voted against the levy.
