Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has challenged Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga, to provide evidence supporting claims that COTU participated in drafting the regulations governing the Affordable Housing scheme.
In a strongly worded statement, Atwoli denied that COTU was ever consulted or involved in formulating or approving the Affordable Housing Act and its regulations. He asserted that at no point did COTU’s Executive Board, the body mandated to make such decisions, meet to deliberate on or support the current regulations.
“If indeed PS Hinga claims that COTU (K) was involved, we challenge him to produce ANY written resolutions, minutes, or official correspondence from COTU (K)’s Executive Board endorsing the drafting or content of the current regulations,” said Atwoli. “We have NEVER received any communication from the Affordable Housing Board or from PS Hinga inviting COTU (K) to give their views.”
Atwoli also clarified that Bro. Ernest Nadome, COTU’s representative on the Affordable Housing Fund Board, cannot represent the organization’s collective position without formal approval from the Executive Board. He said Nadome had already confirmed to COTU’s leadership that the union was not consulted on the regulations.
The union leader went further to accuse the government of misusing the housing levy, alleging that funds meant for affordable housing were being diverted to other infrastructure projects such as markets and social amenities. “It is dishonest to use housing funds to build unrelated facilities under the guise of associated social infrastructure,” he stated.
Atwoli called on President William Ruto to intervene and ensure the housing levy is used strictly for building homes for Kenyans, as initially promised.
In response, PS Hinga maintained that COTU was represented in the committees that developed the Affordable Housing Act and related regulations. “Even in 2018, the Act clearly said, houses, plus social and physical infrastructure that make settlements work,” said Hinga, accusing the union of misleading the public.
The controversy follows President Ruto’s recent remarks confirming that housing levy funds are being used to construct 260 markets across the country, alongside affordable housing developments.
Written By Rodney Mbua
