This follows a meeting between the Departmental Committee on Housing and officials from the State Department for Housing on Thursday, March 26, where lawmakers raised key challenges affecting the implementation of the housing programme.
While addressing the committee, Housing Principal Secretary told the MPs that the government was working with a popular telecommunications company in the country to develop a system that will enable contributors to withdraw their savings if they choose to exit the programme.
“What you are saving towards house ownership is your money. We are putting in place a platform with the telecommunications company to allow Kenyans to withdraw their funds,” he said.
During the meeting, the lawmakers also urged the government to streamline the Boma Yangu platform, citing difficulties faced by Kenyans in registering, accessing information, and understanding the home ownership process.
The MPs emphasised the need for clear and consistent public communication, particularly on eligibility, ownership rights, and the security of contributors’ funds.
They also questioned whether individuals can own homes outside their counties of residence, calling for assurances to build public trust.
“You have to relay accurate information to the public. For instance, can a person living in Kisumu own a House in Meru? You must assure Kenyans of ownership and the safety of their funds,” posed Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi.
In response, Hinga reaffirmed that all Kenyans have the constitutional right to own property anywhere in the country, regardless of their location.
The Committee also raised concerns about low public awareness of the programme, urging the government to use media and digital content creators to improve visibility and understanding of the housing scheme.
While responding to the matter, the acting Chief Executive Officer for the Affordable Housing Board, Joseph Kagicha, shared the Board’s ambitious plans to market the affordable housing.
“We will soon launch countrywide activities starting with Nairobi, so that we bring more beneficiaries on board. We haven’t done sufficiently, but there’s a lot of work we are doing behind the scenes," said Kagicha.