Raila Odinga pledges to reintroduce Uhuru levy to address housing shortfall

Raila Odinga has promised to revive the Mandatory Housing Levy as was initially proposed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, to address the housing problem in the country, if he is elected as the president.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential flag-bearer was speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of Makasembo Estate in Kisumu County where LAPFUND will construct modern houses.

The ODM leader said such a fund would spur the development of great housing units across the country.

Raila disclosed he has engaged the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) it talks to cooperate with Azimio in the project.

“I have talked to the head of COTU, Francis Atwoli, and he has assured me that they will cooperate with us, the Azimio government when we go into the office,” Raila said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration proposed a mandatory levy. However, the idea met stiff opposition from other stakeholders led by COTU. Ultimately, the government declared the levy voluntary.

He said the groundbreaking was a response to the need of many Kenyans who have migrated from rural to urban areas.

“What is being done here today is basically responding to the needs of the large percentage of our people who have moved from rural areas and into the on as urbanisation continues to escalate,” he said.

The project will not only employ hundreds of our youth but provide affordable housing to many.

Raila appealed to the government to act urgently toward meeting the housing need of its citizens.

He noted the rate at which informal settlements are growing in Kenya is a matter of concern that needs the government’s intervention.

Raila emphasised the government needs to reverse the trend by constructing affordable housing to arrest the situation which is already spreading to other towns.