NAIROBI — The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) is worried that Parliament may be opening the door to misuse of funds collected under Kenya’s Housing Levy.
In a statement released Tuesday, COTU said new regulations passed by lawmakers could see money—meant to build affordable homes for workers—used for unrelated projects like fire stations, schools, and police posts.
“These changes create a serious loophole,” the union said. “Funds could now be directed towards projects that have little to do with housing. That’s not what Kenyans were promised.”
At the heart of the issue is the Affordable Housing Regulations, a set of rules passed to guide how the Housing Levy is spent. COTU says the rules have been quietly expanded to include what it calls “associated social infrastructure.” This could include almost anything—from social halls to market spaces—under the excuse of supporting new housing developments.
‘This Is About Homes’
Francis Atwoli, COTU’s long-serving secretary-general, called on President William Ruto to step in.
“We supported this housing plan from the start,” he said. “But our members need homes—not another round of empty promises. We won’t stay silent as their hard-earned contributions are directed elsewhere.”
Atwoli wants the process halted immediately. He’s asking the government to open a new round of public participation to make sure the levy remains focused on its original purpose: building homes.
“We are not against the Affordable Housing Programme,” COTU clarified. “But there must be clarity and accountability.”
Parliament Yet to Respond
As of Tuesday evening, Parliament had not issued a response to COTU’s concerns. Government officials have previously argued that social infrastructure is necessary to support new housing areas. But critics say such a wide interpretation could water down the programme’s main goal—and make it harder to track spending.
This is not the first time the Housing Levy has faced criticism. Since it was introduced, workers across the country have voiced concerns over how the money is managed and whether it will truly benefit them.
With the matter now in the public eye again, all eyes are on State House. Will the president act—or let the regulations take effect as they are?
“This isn’t just about buildings,” Atwoli warned. “It’s about trust.”
