Rédaction Africa Links 24 with MAGDALINE SAYA
Published on 2024-01-31 12:56:58
The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has submitted a written memorandum to the Clerk of the Senate, proposing amendments to the Affordable Housing Bill of 2023. In their memorandum, KUCO expresses the need for contributors to be reimbursed if they decide not to purchase a housing unit. They suggest that after seven years, contributors should be able to receive their cumulative contributions with interest if they choose not to buy an affordable housing unit.
Additionally, KUCO is advocating for 25 percent of contributions to be directed towards funding a defined mortgage facility for Kenyans who already own land and wish to construct and own houses. This, they argue, would align the concept of affordable housing with freedom of choice. Moreover, KUCO is proposing that the board overseeing the affordable housing fund should have representatives from the Central Organization of Trade Union, Trade Union Congress, and the Consumer Federation of Kenya, in addition to the current nominees from Cotu and the Federation of Kenya Employers.
The clinical officers emphasize the importance of their input and consider it vital for their industry to have a say in the affordable housing bill. They express a desire for the Parliamentary Committee to consider and incorporate their proposed amendments into the bill.
The public hearings on the affordable housing bill were concluded recently, with meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa counties. The bill, sponsored by Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to establish a legal framework for the Affordable Housing Fund and to ensure the right to accessible and adequate housing as provided for in the Constitution.
Overall, the KUCO memorandum underscores the importance of allowing contributors to receive reimbursement and advocates for provisions that promote inclusivity and freedom of choice in the affordable housing bill.
