The government has begun overhauling the Housing Levy, following the recent agreement between President William Ruto and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

This follows the meeting between Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga and the Members of the National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works on Saturday, June 21, to kick-start the process.

During the engagement, PS Hinga emphasised that Kenyans could soon benefit from a reduction in the required deposit, from the current 10 per cent to 5 per cent.

He also assured the MPs that the proposal by COTU officials to the president on deposit reduction is in the final stage of its implementation.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga addressing an event for Earth Negotiations Bulletin in June 2022.

Photo

Diego Noguera/IISD

"I hereby ask Kenyans to utilise this chance to become homeowners," he stated.

The engagement sought to align and accelerate the Affordable Housing Agenda in line with the committee's mandate of creating an enabling environment through policy interventions to improve the living standards of Kenyans, stimulate economic growth and reduce homelessness.

However, the committee chair led the MPs in expressing some concerns, including Emurua Dikiir MP Johana Ng'eno, about the utilisation of some of the funds.

On Wednesday, June 18, Atwoli met with the President in a high-level meeting, where several agreements, including halting the use of Housing Levy funds to build markets, were reached. The government also agreed to refund all the funds used so far.

"All funds that have already been used to construct markets under the Affordable Housing Programme will be refunded to the Affordable Housing Levy Fund," the statement read.

President William Ruto during the handover of Affordable Housing units on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

PCS