President William Ruto’s initiative for affordable housing took a significant step forward on Tuesday as it successfully passed the second reading in the National Assembly.
Members of Parliament aligned with the Kenya Kwanza faction, following President Ruto’s directive, voted in favor of the Bill, ensuring its progress.
Efforts by opposition MPs to block the Bill’s passage were unsuccessful, with the government side securing 141 votes against 58.
Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi’s plea to delay the debate on the Bill at the third reading stage was also rejected by the Speaker, who scheduled the debate for Wednesday afternoon as planned.
Despite Wandayi’s request for more time due to proposed amendments, Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah insisted on proceeding with the debate without delay.
“Due to the many amendments that have been proposed by various members on the controversial Bill, I would request that you give us time, so that we debate the Bill on Thursday to allow as many members as possible to bring amendments,” the Wandayi pleaded.
“We should not delay the debate on this Bill, any amendments can be proposed and we can even have a supplementary order paper, but this debate must come tomorrow,” responded Ichung’wah.
Various amendments had been proposed by legislators, including the removal of the 10% deposit requirement for homeownership.
