Kenyan President Ruto signs Affordable Housing Bill into law

President William Ruto has officially signed into law the Affordable Housing Bill in Kenya, marking a significant development in the government’s efforts to address housing issues for low-income citizens

The new law, which allows for the collection of a 1.5% housing levy from workers’ monthly pay, aims to fund the construction of affordable housing units across the country.

Despite facing criticism from opposition voices and segments of the public, the bill’s enactment signifies a step forward in President Ruto’s vision for affordable housing.

One of the major changes introduced by the new law is the extension of the levy to non-salaried workers in the informal sector, addressing concerns raised about fairness and inclusivity. Additionally, the establishment of the Affordable Housing Fund will manage the funds collected through the levy.

President Ruto’s ambitious housing initiative aims to construct 200,000 affordable housing units annually, to generate over 600,000 jobs in the process.