PS Hinga Reveals Govt Plan to Allow Kenyans Opting Out of Affordable Housing to Withdraw Contributions
The government has revealed plans to let Kenyans who choose to leave the Affordable Housing Programme withdraw their contributions, in a move meant to improve transparency.
This follows a meeting held on Thursday, March 26, between the Departmental Committee on Housing and officials from the State Department for Housing, where lawmakers highlighted major challenges affecting the rollout of the housing programme.
Speaking before the committee, the Housing Principal Secretary told MPs that the government is working with a leading telecommunications company to create a system that will allow contributors to access and withdraw their savings if they decide 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 session, lawmakers also called on the government to improve the Boma Yangu platform, pointing to difficulties Kenyans face when trying to register, get information, and understand the home ownership process.
The MPs stressed the importance of clear and consistent communication to the public, especially on eligibility, ownership rights, and the safety of contributors’ money.
They also sought clarity on whether individuals can own homes outside their counties of residence, saying such assurances are necessary to boost public confidence.
“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,” said Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi.
In response, Hinga maintained that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to own property anywhere in the country, regardless of where they live.
The committee further expressed concern over low public awareness of the programme and urged the government to use both the media and digital content creators to increase visibility and understanding of the housing scheme.
Addressing the issue, the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Affordable Housing Board, Joseph Kagicha, outlined the Board’s broad plans to promote the programme.
“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.