Ruto firm on National Housing Fund
President William Ruto yesterday vowed to push for the implementation of the National Housing Fund even as a section of leaders and unionists opposed it.
Ruto hit out at leaders opposed to the government’s housing Fund terming them selfish to the interests of the ordinary people.
He urged leaders to support efforts by the government to ensure ordinary Kenyans own decent homes.
The president said it was unfair for those who have mortgages to deny ordinary citizens the opportunity to own homes.
“Those who have mortgages should not sabotage the one for ordinary Kenyans to own houses. Leaders from MPs to MCAs should be mindful of the welfare of ordinary people,” said President Ruto.
Ground breaking
The President made the remarks during the ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed Bellevue Park Residences Affordable Housing Project, in South C, Nairobi, on Thursday.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has publicly opposed the Fund terming it a burden to the Kenyan worker.
The project upon completion will have 2,356 units besides creating 5000 employment opportunities.
President Ruto said Housing Fund unlocks great potential for employment and an opportunity for ordinary Kenyans to own decent homes.
“As leaders, we must be deliberate and intentional in creating jobs for our people
The Head of State clarified that contribution for the Housing Fund had nothing to do with taxes but savings for contributors to own homes.
“Contributions for Housing Fund is not a tax but savings that will enable them own decent houses,” said President Ruto.
He said the Bellevue project was among several other ongoing and upcoming projects across the country.
He said the Government targets 200,000 housing units annually, saying 4,000 acres have so far been identified for the project countrywide.
LapFund chairman Amin Ali said the project will be completed in 36 months.
He said the proposed development will be a comprehensive sustainable housing project comprising studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units among other facilities.
Lands Princiaal Secretary Nixon Korir said the project will go a long way in elevating people’s living standards and livelihoods by providing affordable, safe sustainable and dignified communities.
Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwor alias Jalang’o praised the Government’s Housing Project, saying more ordinary Kenyans will own homes.
He said he was ready to work with the Government in ensuring service delivery to his constituents.
“Elections are over and it’s time to address challenges facing Kenyans,” he said.
Nairobi deputy governor James Muchiri said the project will enable low-income earners to own houses.
