Parliament Presses Govt Over Stalled Affordable Housing Projects
The State Department attributed delays to procurement challenges, limited contractor capacity, project management shortcomings and the transition to the electronic government procurement system.
Nairobi, Kenya – On August 29, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works pressured the government regarding delays in the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme. Key questions concerned stalled projects and the anticipated timelines for completion and handover of homes to beneficiaries.
The committee questioned the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) and the Affordable Housing Board, requesting detailed updates on stalled projects, identifying specific challenges, and outlining the steps taken to rectify the situation. The government cited procurement issues, limited contractor capacity, management shortcomings, and the shift to an electronic procurement system as reasons for the delays.
Principal Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga informed the committee that the scale of the program exposed weaknesses in local contractors' capacities and public procurement systems. He further noted that winning tenders without the necessary financial or technical abilities to execute projects had become a common occurrence. Hinga assured that the government would tighten its systems to prevent such non-compliant contractors from securing public projects and would take action against firms that fail to deliver.
Although Hinga acknowledged challenges, he denied that the entire Affordable Housing Programme was failing, emphasizing that most projects were still progressing despite the issues. He pointed out procurement as a major impediment, especially during the transition to the electronic system, and mentioned ongoing engagement with the National Treasury to address these issues.
Committee Chair Joseph Tonui demanded a comprehensive status report covering the status of stalled projects, project-specific challenges, and corrective measures being undertaken by the government. Committee members John Waluke and Abraham Kirwa called for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure projects are completed on time and to required standards. They also emphasized the importance of involving beneficiaries in decisions related to their homes and estates.
Esther Passaris proposed a participatory approach in the handover and management of completed housing projects, stating that residents should be involved in maintaining and managing the estates to ensure long-term sustainability. The committee also discussed land ownership and titling, with Hinga appealing for lawmakers to support efforts to facilitate title deed acquisition via the Ministry of Lands.
Daniel Manduku, however, raised concerns about the titling process, urging clearer guidance on securing land for beneficiaries.
The committee also reviewed Government initiatives targeting informal settlements and urban areas, hearing briefings from officials working on the Kenya Urban Support Programme and the Nairobi Rivers Commission. This scrutiny unfolds as the government proceeds with its Affordable Housing Programme, aiming to increase affordable housing supply, generate employment, and boost activity in the construction sector.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
