House Committee Conducts Public Participation on AHB in Wajir County

Wajir county residents have raised concerns over the high cost of the affordable housing units. Their recommendation is to have the housing units especially in hardship areas lowered for the locals to afford. Additionally, they have recommended that the house designs be based on climatical conditions of the region.

The recommendations of adopted will see areas with harsh weather conditions and extreme heat such as Garissa, Wajir among others have special designs that fit locals preference.

The public participation in Wajir marks the seventh engagement with the public in an exercise aimed at collecting views and memoranda on the Affordable Housing Bill, 2023. The House team comprising of the Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Public Works which is sitting jointly with the Committee on Finance and National Planning is led by Hon. Johana Ng’eno.

Wajir County Governor H.E FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi asked residents of Wajir to embrace the affordable housing project in order to address the housing shortage in the county.

While supporting the Bill, the residents pleaded with the government to prioritize them especially in the construction of markets for the local small traders. The harsh climatic conditions in the area were termed as a problematic issue to traders who have to endure extreme heat under scorching Sun as they conduct their businesses.

Dr. Adan Sheikh Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims said that the council is in support of the housing project as this will ensure the homeless and the less fortunate in the society get a chance to own a decent home.

Upgrading of infrastructure within the area was also pointed out as a concern by the residents . They called for the roads to be tarmaked and for others to be upgraded to allow access to these houses as the town is occasionally hit by floods during the rain season. The Committee also heard that the area is also not connected to the national power grid. Residents insisted that such crucial services be availed before commencing the housing projects.

In their part, construction workers welcomed the projects saying it is the only way to engage many youths who are jobless across the country. They noted that such projects would open up job opportunities for millions of unemployed Kenyans and give them an opportunity to earn some income.

People with disabilities present during the meeting raised their concerns on the design of the proposed housing projects asking the designers to factor in their seamless access.

Wrapping up the session, Hon. Ng’eno thanked members of public for attending the planned public participation forums, noting that their input would be useful in enriching the legislative proposal.

“It is worth noting that this Committee appreciates your commitment to attend the public hearings to present your views on the Bill,” he told the residents.

The Committee later conducted a site visit to the recently launched affordable housing project within Wajir town. Construction at the site is still at the foundation level.

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