Senate challenged to reject controversial housing bill

By Tobby Otum

Civil Society drawn from the coastal region has urged the Senate Assembly to reject the controversial affordable housing bill saying it hands over the role of housing to the national government.

The group under the umbrella of Civil Society Network under chairperson Zedekiah Adika pointed out the bill is contrary to the 4th schedule to the county functions under the constitution.

He added the constitution stipulates that planning and development of houses is the responsibility of counties.

“Our campaign against the bill is because it intends to transfer public land to private hands,” he pointed out.

Adika added the move is in regard tp sustainable use and management of public land contrary to article 60 of the national government.

He was addressing journalists at Muslims for Human Rights [Muhuri] offices outside the Mombasa Law Courts in Mombasa county.

The group Network chairperson told the media the bill’s recommendations on housing are informed of fears on how the state and a private individual have handled two projects in the county.

Adika, who was flanked by Muhuri Rapid Response officer Francis Auma, cited how the government handled both the Buxton and the Likoni housing projects in the county.

He added that the matter is still active and well within the knowledge of the senate.