Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come out strongly in support of using the housing levy to build social infrastructure around affordable housing projects, accusing opponents of being selfish and out of touch with the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking during a church service in Makadara on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Sakaja backed President William Ruto’s vision for affordable housing, saying it goes beyond providing shelter and aims to create dignified communities equipped with schools, hospitals, markets, and fire stations.
“We are not building houses for the rich. Don’t stand in the way when a normal Kenyan is being helped,” Sakaja said. “You have multi-million homes, yet you oppose the development of infrastructure for the poor. That’s unreasonable and selfish.”
The governor, who also chairs the Urban Development Committee at the Council of Governors, said the county bosses fully support the inclusion of social amenities in the housing programme. He highlighted the rapid development in areas like Mukuru, Kibra, and Lang’ata, where thousands of affordable houses are being constructed.
“We are not creating vertical slums. We’re building homes that restore dignity, with essential services that support healthy, vibrant communities,” Sakaja added.
His remarks come amid opposition from several political leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who have criticised the use of housing levy funds for non-housing purposes.
Meanwhile, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) has disowned claims by the government that it was involved in formulating the affordable housing regulations. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga had accused COTU of misleading the public, insisting that the union participated in the legislative process.
However, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli refuted the claims, stating, “We have never been consulted, formally or informally, on the development, review, or approval of the current affordable housing regulations.”
The controversy highlights growing tensions over the implementation of the government’s flagship housing programme, even as the administration insists the inclusion of social amenities is essential for long-term sustainability.
