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{
    "id": 241964,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/241964/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 274,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. J.M. Mutiso",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 273,
        "legal_name": "John Mutinda Mutiso",
        "slug": "mutinda-mutiso"
    },
    "content": "I first wish to register my appreciation to hon. Members for the overwhelming support to this Motion on affordable housing for millions of Kenyans, who are either homeless or live in slums. I just wish to make some comments, for the Minister take to note of, in relation to the implementation of the proposed fund. The National Housing Corporation (NHC), which is a premier institution in making policies on housing, is controlled by a cartel. The Treasury, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and other players in the housing market are the same bodies July 19, 2006 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 2191 which tend to make the NHC not to function properly. For millions of Kenyans to realise their dream of owning a house or shelter, the Minister should overhaul the NHC. In fact, if possible, he should dismantle the cartel that controls the NHC. The Majority of revenue collectors in the KRA are people who control the housing market in this city and in other cities in the country. It is not possible for the NHC to make recommendations to the Treasury to create bonds. As hon. Kajwang said, it is not possible for the Government to implement its policies, because it is too encumbered by its own bureaucracy. If the Minister has to really make a departure and make an impact as far as the housing policy is concerned, he should start by overhauling these two institutions. That way, he can avail housing services to our people. We have enough resources in this country, but it is a big shame for the Government to allocate a meagre Kshs600 million for the purpose of housing. We know that 9 million Kenyans do not have houses. The Government should, therefore, reconsider reallocating more funds in the Supplementary Estimates to make the policy of housing in this country a reality. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, recently we had the Initial Public Offer (IPO) for KenGen and a majority of Kenyans subscribed to it. In fact, we had a very huge surplus of funds from the IPO. Therefore, the question of lack of funds should not arise at all. I believe that the Minister, who I think is able, will do his part so that he can provide Kenyans with the housing units as he has projected in his speech. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I just revived this Motion. It was brought to this House in 1974 by the late hon. Matthew Mutiso. I think it will be wonderful for me to see that dream of majority of Kenyans being able to own houses come true. I challenge the Minister to take this Motion seriously and let us see action being taken. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move."
}