Azimio leader Raila Odinga has promised to introduce a housing levy once elected president in August polls.
Raila said his government will come up with a plan through which a pool of fund will be rolled out for massive housing development.
Speaking in Kisumu during the ground breaking for Makasembo affordable housing project, Raila said the majority of Kenyans in various cities and towns live in slums due to a shortage of low-cost houses to meet the increased urbanization.
In Nairobi, 60 per cent of the population live in Kibera and Mkuru Kwa Njega among other slums
Raila Odinga
“In Nairobi, 60 per cent of the population live in Kibera and Mkuru Kwa Njega among other slums,” he said.
The Sh3.5 billion housing project will see the old demolished Makasembo estate upgraded into modern apartments units.
Urban development policies
The former Prime Minister noted the need for government to put in place policies for proper urban development.
He noted that the implementation of the levy that had initially been opposed by COTU will go through in his government since he has solved the issue with COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli who has promised his full support towards it.
“I have engaged Cotu which has pledged to support this initiative,” said Raila.
The construction of Makasembo is funded by Lapfund on the 11.6-acre piece of land is expected to take two years.